U.S. patent application number 15/958760 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-25 for optical density instrument and systems and methods using the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is bioMerieux, Inc.. Invention is credited to Walter J. CLYNES, Sean Gregory FURMAN, Joel Patrick HARRISON, Jack R. HOFFMANN, JR., Christopher George KOCHER, John Kenneth KORTE, Gregory R. MAES, Brian David PETERSON, Daniel Joseph PINGEL, Jeffrey Edward PRICE, Leonard H. SCHLEICHER, Perry D. STAMM, Jacky S. YAM.
Application Number | 20180306767 15/958760 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62117083 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180306767 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
STAMM; Perry D. ; et
al. |
October 25, 2018 |
OPTICAL DENSITY INSTRUMENT AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING THE
SAME
Abstract
Instruments, systems, and methods for measuring optical density
of microbiological samples are provided. In particular, optical
density instruments providing improved safety, efficiency, comfort,
and convenience are provided. Such optical density instruments
include a handheld portion and a base station. The optical density
instruments may be used in systems and methods for measuring
optical density of biological samples.
Inventors: |
STAMM; Perry D.; (Dardenne
Prairie, MO) ; HARRISON; Joel Patrick; (Maryville,
IL) ; MAES; Gregory R.; (Fenton, MO) ; PRICE;
Jeffrey Edward; (Wildwood, MO) ; HOFFMANN, JR.; Jack
R.; (St. Louis, MO) ; KORTE; John Kenneth;
(St. Louis, MO) ; PINGEL; Daniel Joseph; (Saint
Peters, MO) ; CLYNES; Walter J.; (O'Fallon, MO)
; FURMAN; Sean Gregory; (St. Charles, MO) ;
SCHLEICHER; Leonard H.; (St. Charles, MO) ; KOCHER;
Christopher George; (St. Louis, MO) ; PETERSON; Brian
David; (Wentzville, MO) ; YAM; Jacky S.; (St.
Louis, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
bioMerieux, Inc. |
Durham |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62117083 |
Appl. No.: |
15/958760 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62488450 |
Apr 21, 2017 |
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62487796 |
Apr 20, 2017 |
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62487860 |
Apr 20, 2017 |
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62487736 |
Apr 20, 2017 |
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62487807 |
Apr 20, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 15/06 20130101;
G01N 2015/0693 20130101; B01L 2300/0803 20130101; B01L 2300/0654
20130101; G01N 21/51 20130101; G01N 2021/0389 20130101; G01N
21/4785 20130101; G01N 1/10 20130101; G01N 21/4738 20130101; B01L
2300/12 20130101; G01N 33/487 20130101; G01N 2021/598 20130101;
B01L 3/50853 20130101; G01N 21/0303 20130101; G01N 21/274 20130101;
G01N 33/48735 20130101; G01N 2021/4769 20130101; G01N 21/474
20130101; G01N 21/8806 20130101; B01L 2200/14 20130101; G01N
2201/126 20130101; G01N 21/5907 20130101; G01N 2201/12707 20130101;
G01N 21/01 20130101; G01N 21/93 20130101; G01N 2021/0168
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 33/487 20060101
G01N033/487; G01N 21/27 20060101 G01N021/27; G01N 1/10 20060101
G01N001/10; G01N 21/47 20060101 G01N021/47; G01N 21/59 20060101
G01N021/59 |
Claims
1. An optical density instrument comprising: a handheld unit having
a top and a bottom and further comprising: an optical test platform
having an open top and a cavity configured to receive at least a
portion of a first sample tube and a bottom portion positioned
within the handheld unit such that the first sample tube extends
above the top of the handheld unit when inserted in the optical
test platform; an emitter positioned within the handheld unit at
the bottom portion of the optical test platform such that the
emitter is configured to emit light into the cavity, and wherein
the emitter is configured to emit light into the first sample tube
when the first sample tube is inserted in the optical test
platform; at least one sensor positioned in optical communication
with the emitter via the cavity, such that the at least one sensor
is configured to receive the emitted light from the cavity, and
such that the at least one sensor is configured to receive light
emitted by the emitter and passing through the first sample tube
when the first sample tube is inserted in the optical test
platform; and an illumination light positioned at the bottom
portion of the optical test platform and configured to illuminate
the cavity such that light emitted by the illumination light is
configured to illuminate the first sample tube when the first
sample tube is inserted in the optical test platform; and a base
station having at least a handheld unit receiving portion, wherein
the handheld unit is configured to operably couple to the base
station both when the handheld unit engages the handheld unit
receiving portion and when the handheld unit is separated from the
base station.
2. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the emitter is configured to
emit a source light through a sample disposed in the first sample
tube, and the at least one sensor is configured to detect a portion
of the source light that is transmitted through the sample.
3. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the emitter and the
illumination light are configured to emit light according to a
light modulation pattern.
4. The instrument of claim 1, wherein at least one of the emitter
or the illumination light comprises a light emitting diode.
5. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor
comprises at least two sensors including a density sensor and a
nephelometric sensor, the density sensor being positioned opposite
the emitter relative to the cavity to detect source light
transmitted through a sample contained in at least one of the
sample tubes and the nephelometric sensor being positioned
perpendicular to an axis spanning the density sensor and the
emitter to detect source light reflected by a sample in the sample
tube.
6. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the top of the handheld unit
is open to allow a user to visually inspect a sample contained in
the first sample tube and illuminated by the illumination
light.
7. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the base station further
comprises a display screen, and wherein the display screen is
configured to present data transmitted to the base station by the
handheld unit.
8. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the handheld unit comprises a
substantially hourglass shape, and the top of the handheld unit is
narrower than the bottom.
9. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the handheld
unit comprises a plurality of non-skid feet.
10. The instrument of claim 1, further comprising processing
circuitry configured to: control operations of at least the
emitter, the illumination light, and the at least one sensor to
generate raw light data; convert the raw light data into optical
density data; and communicate the optical density data to a display
screen in real time.
11. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the handheld unit further
comprises a spring defining a first leg and a second leg, wherein
the first leg and the second leg are configured to apply a force on
a sample tube towards a point between the first leg and the second
leg.
12. A system for measuring optical density of a sample, the system
comprising: an optical density instrument, the optical density
instrument comprising: a handheld unit having a top and a bottom
and further comprising: an optical test platform having an open top
configured to receive a first sample tube and a bottom portion
positioned within the handheld unit such that the first sample tube
extends above the top of the handheld unit when inserted in the
optical test platform; an emitter positioned within the handheld
unit at the bottom portion of the optical test platform such that
the emitter is configured to emit light into the cavity, and
wherein the emitter is configured to emit light into the first
sample tube when the first sample tube is inserted in the optical
test platform; at least one sensor positioned in optical
communication with the emitter via the cavity, such that the at
least one sensor is configured to receive the emitted light from
the cavity, and such that the at least one sensor is configured to
receive light emitted by the emitter and passing through the first
sample tube when the first sample tube is inserted in the optical
test platform; and an illumination light positioned at the bottom
portion of the optical test platform and configured to illuminate
the cavity such that light emitted by the illumination light is
configured to illuminate the first sample tube when the first
sample tube is inserted in the optical test platform; and a base
station having at least a handheld unit receiving portion, wherein
the handheld unit is configured to operably couple to the base
station both when the handheld unit engages the handheld unit
receiving portion and when the handheld unit is separated from the
base station; and a computing device comprising a user
interface.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the optical density instrument
comprises processing circuitry configured to: control operations of
at least the emitter, the illumination light, and the at least one
sensor to generate raw light data; convert the raw light data into
optical density data; communicate the optical density data to a
display screen in real time; and communicate the optical density
data to the user interface.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the processing circuitry is
configured to continuously communicate the optical density data to
the user interface.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the emitter is configured to
emit a source light through a sample disposed in the first sample
tube, and the at least one sensor is configured to detects a
portion of the source light that is transmitted through the
sample.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the emitter and the
illumination light are configured to emit light according to a
light modulation pattern.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein at least one of the emitter or
the illumination light comprises a light emitting diode.
18. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one sensor
comprises at least two sensors including a density sensor and a
nephelometric sensor, the density sensor being positioned opposite
the emitter relative to the cavity to detect source light
transmitted through a sample contained in at least one of the
sample tubes and the nephelometric sensor being positioned
perpendicular to an axis spanning the density sensor and the
emitter to detect source light reflected by a sample in the sample
tube.
19. The system of claim 12, wherein the top of the handheld unit is
open to allow a user to visually inspect a sample contained in the
first sample tube and illuminated by the illumination light.
20. The system of claim 12, wherein the base station further
comprises a display screen in communication with the handheld
unit.
21. The system of claim 12, wherein the base station further
comprises a display screen, and wherein the display screen is
configured to present data transmitted to the base station by the
handheld unit.
22. The system of claim 12, wherein the bottom of the handheld unit
comprises a plurality of non-skid feet.
23. The system of claim 12, wherein the open top of the optical
test platform is further configured to receive a second sample
tube.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the first sample tube is
affixed to the second sample tube.
25. A method for measuring optical density of a sample, the method
comprising: receiving a first sample tube, the first sample tubes
containing the sample; illuminating the sample in the first sample
tube for visual inspection by a user according to a light
modulation pattern; emitting a source light through the sample in
the first sample tube according to the light modulation pattern;
detecting a portion of the source light transmitted through or
reflected by the sample to generate raw light data; and converting
the raw light data into optical density data.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising communicating the
optical density data to a display screen.
27. The method of claim 25, further comprising communicating the
optical density data to a user interface.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein communicating the optical
density data to the user interface occurs continuously.
29. The method of claim 25, wherein illuminating the sample occurs
concurrently with at least emitting the source light or detecting
the source light.
30. The method of claim 25, wherein the light modulation pattern
comprises illuminating the sample and emitting the source light at
different times.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of each of the
following: U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/488,450, which is
entitled "Optical Density Instrument And Systems And Methods Using
The Same" and was filed Apr. 21, 2017; U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/487,807, which is entitled "Optical Test Platform" and was
filed Apr. 20, 2017; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/487,796,
which is entitled "Optical Density Instrument And Systems And
Methods Using The Same" and was filed Apr. 20, 2017; U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/487,860, which is entitled "Tip
Resistant Optical Testing Instrument" and was filed Apr. 20, 2017;
and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/487,736, which is entitled
"Method, Apparatus, And Computer Program Product For Controlling
Components Of A Detection Device" and was filed Apr. 20, 2017. Each
of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The presently-disclosed invention relates generally to
devices, systems, and methods for measuring sample optical density,
and more particularly to devices, systems, and methods for
measuring optical density of microbiological samples.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In microbiology laboratories and other similar settings, lab
technicians, scientists, and other practitioners use laboratory
equipment to measure conditions of liquid suspensions. The
suspensions may be observed and manipulated in clear polystyrene
test tubes, glass test tubes, or other similar vials. The
practitioner may utilize various devices or instruments to perform
readings and measurements on the liquid in a sample tube. The
practitioner may also manipulate the fluid while performing
measurements, or intermittingly between measurements. In some
examples, a practitioner may manipulate the fluid while monitoring
a measurement or reading performed by an instrument.
[0004] One example of such a measurement performed in a
microbiology lab includes measuring the turbidity and/or
concentration of microorganisms in the liquid using an optical
density instrument. The practitioner may use the instrument to
achieve the optimal dilution of the sample by diluting the
solutions with saline, or increasing the levels of microorganisms
in the fluid. The optical density sensors in a device or instrument
may be configured to detect light emitted in the area of the sample
tube to measure characteristics of the liquid.
[0005] Existing instruments are often incapable of being used
continuously during preparation of a sample because of poor
visibility, interference from external and internal light sources,
leaks and other electrical damage to the instrument's internal
components, and high manufacturing costs. The inventors have
identified numerous other deficiencies with existing technologies
in the field, the remedies for which are the subject of the
embodiments described herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] One or more embodiments of the invention may address one or
more of the aforementioned problems. Certain embodiments according
to the invention provide devices, systems, and methods for
measuring optical density of microbiological samples. In
particular, embodiments of the invention are directed to various
features of such instruments, systems, and methods that provide
increased safety, comfort, efficiency, and convenience for
users.
[0007] In accordance with certain embodiments, the optical density
instrument includes a handheld unit having a top and a bottom and a
base station having at least a handheld unit receiving portion such
that the handheld unit is configured to operably couple to the base
station both when the handheld unit engages the handheld unit
receiving portion and when the handheld unit is separated from the
base station. The handheld unit further includes an optical test
platform having an open top and a cavity configured to receive at
least a portion of a first sample tube and a bottom portion
positioned within the handheld unit such that the first sample tube
extends above the top of the handheld unit when inserted in the
optical test platform. Moreover, the handheld unit includes an
emitter positioned within the handheld unit at the bottom portion
of the optical test platform such that the emitter is configured to
emit light into the cavity, and the emitter is configured to emit
light into the first sample tube when the first sample tube is
inserted in the optical test platform. Additionally, the handheld
unit includes at least one sensor positioned in optical
communication with the emitter via the cavity, such that the at
least one sensor is configured to receive the emitted light from
the cavity, and such that the at least one sensor is configured to
receive light emitted by the emitter and passing through the first
sample tube when the first sample tube is inserted in the optical
test platform. In addition, the handheld unit includes an
illumination light positioned at the bottom portion of the optical
test platform that is configured to illuminate the first sample
tube when the first sample tube is inserted in the optical test
platform. In some embodiments, the handheld unit may include a
spring defining a first leg and a second leg, and the first leg and
the second leg may be configured to apply a force on a sample tube
towards a point between the first leg and the second leg.
[0008] In another aspect, certain embodiments according to the
invention provide a system for measuring optical density of a
sample. In accordance with certain embodiments, the system includes
a handheld unit having a top and a bottom, a base station having at
least a handheld unit receiving portion such that the handheld unit
is configured to operably couple to the base station both when the
handheld unit engages the handheld unit receiving portion and when
the handheld unit is separated from the base station, and a
computing device having a user interface. The handheld unit further
includes an optical test platform having an open top and a cavity
configured to receive at least a portion of a first sample tube and
a bottom portion positioned within the handheld unit such that the
first sample tube extends above the top of the handheld unit when
inserted in the optical test platform. Moreover, the handheld unit
includes an emitter positioned within the handheld unit at the
bottom portion of the optical test platform such that the emitter
is configured to emit light into the cavity, and the emitter is
configured to emit light into the first sample tube when the first
sample tube is inserted in the optical test platform. Additionally,
the handheld unit includes at least one sensor positioned in
optical communication with the emitter via the cavity, such that
the at least one sensor is configured to receive the emitted light
from the cavity, and such that the at least one sensor is
configured to receive light emitted by the emitter and passing
through the first sample tube when the first sample tube is
inserted in the optical test platform. In addition, the handheld
unit includes an illumination light positioned at the bottom
portion of the optical test platform that is configured to
illuminate the first sample tube when the first sample tube is
inserted in the optical test platform.
[0009] In yet another aspect, certain embodiments according to the
invention provide a method for measuring optical density of sample.
In accordance with certain embodiments, the method includes
receiving a first sample tube containing the sample, illuminating
the sample in the first sample tube for visual inspection by a user
according to a light modulation pattern, emitting a source light
through the sample in the first sample tube according to the light
modulation pattern, detecting a portion of the source light
transmitted through or reflected by the sample to generate raw
light data, and converting the raw light data into optical density
data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0010] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0011] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an optical density
instrument in accordance with certain embodiments of the
invention;
[0012] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of the front of a
handheld unit in accordance with certain embodiments of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the back of a handheld unit
in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base station in accordance
with certain embodiments of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top view of a base station in accordance with
certain embodiments of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a base station in accordance with
certain embodiments of the invention;
[0017] FIGS. 8A and 8B are front and back views respectively of a
base station in accordance with certain embodiments of the
invention;
[0018] FIGS. 9A and 9B are side views of a base station in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
[0019] FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views of a base station
including a display screen in accordance with certain embodiments
of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a top view of a base station including a display
screen in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a base station including a
display screen in accordance with certain embodiments of the
invention;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a front view of a display screen on a base
station in accordance with certain embodiments of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a side view of a base station including a display
screen in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates a sensor network positioned around a
sample tube in accordance with certain embodiments of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an optical test platform
showing the optical paths of light traveling through the optical
test platform in accordance with certain embodiments of the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a top view of an optical test platform in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
[0027] FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a dual sample tube structure in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a handheld unit in accordance
with certain embodiments of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a system for measuring optical
density of a sample in accordance with certain embodiments of the
invention;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a sensor network in a system
for measuring optical density of a sample in accordance with
certain embodiments of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a method for measuring optical
density of a sample in accordance with certain embodiments of the
invention;
[0032] FIGS. 23 and 24 are example timing diagrams in accordance
with certain embodiments of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 25 is another example view of an optical density
instrument in accordance with some embodiments discussed
herein;
[0034] FIG. 26 is another example of an optical density instrument
in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
[0035] FIGS. 27-31 show an example dual tube with a calibration
capability according to some embodiments discussed herein;
[0036] FIG. 32 shows a calibration tag in accordance with some
embodiments discussed herein;
[0037] FIG. 33 shows a portion of the calibration tag of FIG.
32;
[0038] FIG. 34 is a top plan view of an optical test platform
according to an example embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 35 is a not-to-scale simplified top plan view of an
optical test platform according to an example embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a spring with rollers
according to an example embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 37 is a top plan view of an optical test platform
according to an example embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 38 is a bottom plan view of a housing for an optical
density instrument according to an example embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the optical test platform
of FIG. 37;
[0044] FIG. 40 is a cross section of the optical test platform of
FIG. 37;
[0045] FIG. 41 is a bottom plan view of the optical test platform
of FIG. 37;
[0046] FIG. 42 is a side view of the optical test platform of FIG.
37;
[0047] FIG. 43 is a window according to an example embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 44 is a top plan view of a lower window according to an
example embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 45 is a cross section of the lower window of FIG.
44;
[0050] FIG. 46 is a side view of an optical testing instrument in a
tipped or angled position according to an example embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating operations according to
an example embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating operations according to
an example embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 49 is an example plot of sensor readings according to
an example embodiment; and
[0054] FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating operations according to
an example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0055] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not
all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, this invention
may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed
as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy
applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements
throughout. As used in the specification, and in the appended
claims, the singular forms "a", "an", "the", include plural
referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0056] The invention includes, according to certain embodiments,
devices, systems, and methods for measuring optical density of
microbiological samples. In particular, embodiments of the
invention are directed to various features of such instruments,
systems, and methods that provide increased safety, comfort,
efficiency, and convenience for users. Although the term "optical
density" is used throughout this disclosure, one of ordinary skill
in the art would understand that this term is interchangeable with
the term "turbidity" and should be interpreted as such.
I. Optical Density Instrument
[0057] Certain embodiments according to the invention provide
optical density instruments. For example, FIGS. 1 and 2 are
perspective views of an optical density instrument in accordance
with certain embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and
2, the optical density instrument 1 may include a handheld unit 10
and a base station 20. The handheld unit 10 may be operably coupled
to the base station 20 via a handheld unit connector 24 (shown in
FIGS. 5, 6, and 8A-11) when positioned on a handheld unit receiving
portion 23 (shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8A-11) on the base station 20.
In some embodiments, the handheld unit 10 is battery operated for
convenience and flexibility. In such embodiments, for example, the
battery may charge when the handheld unit 10 is attached to the
base station 20 via, for instance, the handheld unit connector 24.
Handheld unit connector 24 may comprise a floating pin connector.
The handheld unit 10 may transmit data to the base station 20 via
Bluetooth.sup.TM or another wireless or wired protocol.
[0058] FIGS. 5-14, for instance, show various views of the base
station 20 (e.g., in either a standard charging base or a charging
base with screen configuration). As shown and mentioned above, the
base station 20 may include a support portion 21, a handheld unit
receiving portion 23, a handheld unit connector 24, and/or a user
interface connector 25. As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 5, the
support portion 21 provides a support for the remaining features of
the base station 20. The support portion 21 may be substantially
flat and supported by feet 26. The size of the support portion 21
may depend upon whether the base station 20 includes a display
screen 22, as discussed in more detail below. The handheld unit
receiving portion 23 may be recessed into the support portion 21 of
the base station 20. Moreover, the handheld unit receiving portion
23 may have a substantially round shape. However, the handheld unit
receiving portion 23 may have any shape that corresponds to the
shape of the handheld unit 10.
[0059] In further embodiments and as discussed in more detail
below, the base station 20 may be wire or wirelessly connected to a
user interface of a separate computing device (e.g., a standalone
computer, or other data collection or display device) via the user
interface connector 25 for receiving the optical density (i.e.
turbidity) data in real time. The user interface connector 25 may
be a universal serial bus (USB) connector, a serial connector, or
other wired protocol. In some embodiments, the base station 20 may
be wirelessly connected to the user interface of the separate
computing device. In this regard, the optical density instrument 1
may continuously communicate with the user interface 130 during
operation of the optical density instrument. In some other
embodiments, the communication between the optical density
instrument 1 and the user interface 130 may not be continuous. In
further embodiments, for instance, the optical density instrument 1
may be in communication with the user interface via, for example,
processing circuitry discussed in more detail below.
[0060] According to certain embodiments, the base station 20 may or
may not include a display screen 22. For example, FIGS. 1 and 5-9B
provide various views of a base portion 20 without a display
screen. However, FIGS. 2 and 10A-14 provide various views of a base
portion 20 having a display screen 22. The display screen 22 may be
in communication with the handheld unit 10 via, for example,
processing circuitry discussed in more detail below. In this
regard, the display screen 22 may display measurement (e.g.,
turbidity measurements) generated by the handheld unit 10 for
monitoring by a user. The display screen 22 may be in continuous or
discontinuous communication with the handheld unit 10. In some
embodiments, using the interference reduction and processing
techniques described herein, the handheld unit 10 may send
continuous, real time data to the base station 20 while also
illuminating the sample tubes.
[0061] In accordance with certain embodiments, the handheld unit 10
may have an angled top 11 and a substantially flat bottom 12. In
some embodiments, for instance, the handheld unit 10 may have a
substantially hourglass shape. In such embodiments, for example,
the angled top 11 may be narrower than the bottom 12. For example,
FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 are perspective views of the handheld unit 10
in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. In this
regard, the handheld unit 10 may be easily gripped by a user's hand
to provide comfort and to prevent drops and spills during use. The
handheld unit 10 may also include a membrane switch 15 on the back
of the handheld unit 10. Membrane switch 15 may be used as a button
to interact with at least the handheld portion 10 (and also
possibly the base station 20 or computing device having a user
interface 130, as described in more detail below) in order to for
example, accept a reading or zero a reading if held down for a
given amount of time (e.g., 3 seconds).
[0062] Moreover, as shown in various views in FIGS. 1-4 and 16, the
handheld unit 10 may also include an optical test platform 13. The
optical test platform 13 may have an open top configured to receive
at least two sample tubes 14 positioned within a bottom portion
(not shown) positioned within the handheld unit 10 such that the
sample tubes 14 extend above the angled top 11 when inserted in the
optical test platform 13. In this regard, in combination with the
illumination light 33 shown in FIG. 15, the angled top 11 allows a
user to visually inspect a sample contained in at least one of the
sample tubes 14 and illuminated by the illumination light 33. The
illumination light 33 may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) or
other light source and may be configured to emit light upwardly
into the sample contained in at least one of the sample tubes 14.
Moreover, the illumination light 33 may emit light according to a
light modulation pattern. Further details regarding the operation
of the illumination light 33, and corresponding methods of using
and reducing interference from the illumination light, are
discussed further below and may be found in U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/487,736, entitled "Method, Apparatus, and
Computer Program for Controlling Components of a Detection Device,"
and filed Apr. 20, 2017, which application is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
[0063] FIG. 15 also illustrates a sensor network 190 and various
light sources 30, 33 and detectors 31, 32 positioned around a
sample tube 14 in accordance with certain embodiments of the
invention. As shown in FIG. 15, the emitter 30 may be positioned
within the handheld unit 10 proximate a center-bottom portion of
the optical test platform 13 such that the emitter 30 substantially
aligns at least one of the at least two sample tubes 14 when the
sample tubes 14 are inserted in the optical test platform 13 (e.g.,
with a vertical section of the wall of at least one of the sample
tubes 14). The emitter 30 may be any type of device configured to
emit a signal for detection by a sensor. The signal emitted by
emitter 30 may include but is not limited to infrared (IR)
wavelengths, near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths, electromagnetic
radiation, and/or other types of light (including visible and/or
non-visible light). For example, in some embodiments, the emitter
30 may be an LED, infrared LED and/or the like. For simplicity, the
signal emitted by emitter 30 may be referred to herein as a "source
light" or "emitted light," but it will be appreciated that any of
the aforementioned signal types may be employed.
[0064] The emitter 30 may emit the source light according to a
light modulation pattern. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 15,
one emitter 30 and two sensors 31, 32 are used to generate an
accurate turbidity measurement of the sample. In operation, the
emitter 30 may transmit light into the sample and a portion of the
transmitted light passes through the sample to a first sensor 31
(e.g., a density sensor) positioned opposite the emitter 30
relative to the sample tube 14, while a second portion of the
transmitted light reflects off of the sample and is collected by a
second sensor 32 (e.g., a nephelometric sensor) perpendicular to
the transmission direction of the emitter 30. In particular, the
density sensor 31 (which may be considered an optical density
sensor) may be configured to measure a mass of microorganisms or
other matter in a liquid suspension based on an amount of source
light that passes through the sample tube and is detected by the
density sensor 31, and the nephelometric sensor 32 may be
configured to measure a concentration of suspended particles in the
sample.
[0065] Moreover, the density sensor 31 may be oriented collinearly
relative to the axis 34 of the emitter 30 and may be oriented 180
degrees offset from the emitter 30 with respect to the axis 35 of
the sample tube 14, such that when a sample tube is inserted, the
emitter 30 is positioned on the opposite side of the tube from the
density sensor 31. The nephelometric sensor 32 may be positioned 90
degrees about the radial circumference of the sample tube 14 from
both the emitter 30 and density sensor 31 on an orthogonal axis 36
to collect reflected light. The emitter 30 may be configured to
transmit the source light perpendicular to the surface of the
sample tube 14 through the longitudinal axis 35 of the sample tube
14. The optical density instrument 1 may then combine the signals
from each sensor 31, 32 to generate an optical measurement (e.g.,
turbidity) of the sample.
[0066] One readout for this measurement of turbidity and/or
concentration of microorganisms in the liquid that can be obtained
is known as a McFarland value. This McFarland value is obtained
using a series of McFarland standards, which are a series of known
concentrations of solutions that are used to prepare a standard
curve in order to determine the concentration of particles in an
unknown sample. Density sensor 31 and nephelometric sensor 32 are
provided merely as example sensors, and may be optional in some
embodiments.
[0067] It will be appreciated that a variety of other types of
sensors and/or receivers may be present and may be employed
according to example embodiments. For example, the density sensor
31 and nephelometric sensor 32 may be any type of photodetector or
other optical sensor, including, but not limited to, charge-coupled
devices (CCD); active-pixel sensors (APSs) such as complementary
metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors; reverse-biased LEDs,
photodiodes, phototransistors, photoresistors, photomultipliers, or
any other sensor capable of determining an intensity of incident
light at the sensor.
[0068] Processing circuitry may, for instance, control operations
of at least the emitter 30, the illumination light 33, and the at
least one sensor to generate raw light data, convert the raw light
data into optical density data, and communicate the optical density
data to the display screen 22. Further details regarding the
operation of the sensors, including calibration, zeroing, and data
collection, are discussed below and may be found in U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/487,736, entitled "Method,
Apparatus, and Computer Program for Controlling Components of a
Detection Device," and filed Apr. 20, 2017, which application is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0069] FIGS. 16 and 17 show various views of the optical test
platform 13. With reference to FIG. 16, a perspective view of the
optical test platform 13 is shown in accordance with certain
embodiments. The optical test platform 13 may include separate
windows 40, 41, 42, 43 embedded into the shell 44 of the test
platform 13, and the shell 44 may be molded of an opaque or
semi-opaque material (e.g., a black polymer). The windows 40, 41,
42, 43 allow light travelling to and/or from the emitters,
detectors, and illumination lights discussed herein to pass through
the shell 44 at generally perpendicular angles to the surface of
the window, with the shell material prohibiting light from
propagating through the shell itself. The shell 44 may define one
or more cavities 45a, 45b (collectively "45") therein, and in some
embodiments, the cavities may be bounded by one or more walls. The
cavities 45 may receive the sample tubes 14 (shown in FIGS. 1-5)
through an upper aperture 46a, 46b (collectively "46"), and the
sample tubes 14 may be supported by the shell 44.
[0070] The shell 44 may hold any of several configurations of
sample tubes 14. For example, in the depicted embodiment of FIG.
16, the shell 44 includes two cavities 45a, 45b configured to
receive two corresponding sample tubes 14. The depicted embodiment
is configured to test one of the two sample tubes 14 (e.g., in some
embodiments, the optical components may only interrogate one of the
two cavities, cavity 45a), while the second cavity is left for
convenience to hold a second sample tube. This dual sample tube
configuration is useful for use with a dual-sample tube or other
fused sample tubes, where the two sample tubes should be kept
together for study but need not be independently checked with
optical density sensors. Although the description herein refers to
interrogating a single sample tube, these teachings may be readily
applied to a second set of optical components operating on the
second cavity 45b. In some alternative embodiments, the optical
test platform 13 may include only a single cavity for testing a
single sample tube, or in some embodiments, greater than two sample
tubes may be used with one, two, or more sets of optical components
for interrogating the respective sample tubes.
[0071] The optical test platform 13 may include one or more mounts
47, 48, 49 for engaging and supporting the optical components
(e.g., the emitter 30, first detector 31, and second detector 32
shown in FIG. 15). In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 15-17, the
first mount 47 may receive and engage the emitter 30, the second
mount 48 may receive and engage the second detector 32, and the
third mount 49 may receive and engage the first detector 31. One of
ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the mounts 47,
48, 49, emitter 30, sensors 31, 32, and illumination light 33 may
be reconfigured to any arrangement that satisfies the possible
emitter-detector relationships discussed herein.
[0072] Turning to FIG. 34, a second embodiment of the optical test
platform 300 is shown. The optical test platform 300 may include a
shell 310 with one or more mounts 320, 322, 324; an aperture 330;
upper apertures 314a, 314b; and cavities 312a, 312b that may each
be structured and operate in substantially the same manner as the
example optical test platforms 13, 800 detailed herein. Moreover,
embodiments of the optical test platform 300, or portions thereof,
may be incorporated into or substituted for portions of the optical
test platforms 13, 800 detailed herein.
[0073] With continued reference to FIG. 34, the optical test
platform 300 may include at least one spring 340 that urges a
sample tube 342 to a predetermined position within one or more of
the cavities 312a, 312b. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 34, the
optical test platform 300 includes a spring 340 configured to bias
a sample tube 342 towards a window 106. The depicted spring 340
includes a coiled wire 344 disposed around a post 346 and two legs
348, 349 defining the respective ends of the wire.
[0074] The spring 340 may operate as a helical torsion spring, such
that the helical coiled wire 344 is twisted about the axis of the
coil (e.g., an axis extending perpendicular to the page of FIG. 34)
by bending moments applied at the legs 348, 349. In such
embodiments, the coiled wire 344 may elastically deform in response
to a force on either or both legs 348, 349, and the coiled wire
344, when elastically deformed, may cause the legs 348, 349 to
apply a force opposite the direction of the applied force. For
example, the sample tube 342 may be inserted into the cavity 312a
between the two legs 348, 349 which may cause an outward force
(e.g., a force radially outward from the center of the cavity 312a)
on the legs 348, 349 and a torsional torque on the coiled wire 344.
The legs 348, 349 may apply an opposing inward force (e.g., a force
radially inward towards the center of the cavity 312a) on the
sample tube 342, caused by the torsional reaction torque of the
coiled wire 344, which may push the sample tube toward the window
106.
[0075] In the depicted embodiment, the post 346 and spring 340 are
disposed at the same side of the cavity 312a as the first mount
320, opposite the third window 106, to cause the spring to urge the
sample tube 342 towards the third window as described herein. In
some embodiments, the post 346 and spring 340 may be disposed at
any other side of the cavity, including opposite the second window
104.
[0076] In some embodiments, a roller 354, 355 may be disposed on
each of the respective legs 348, 349 of the spring 350, and the
rollers 354, 355 may be slip fit or otherwise allowed to rotate
about the legs 348, 349 to allow the sample tube 342 to move freely
upwardly and downwardly (e.g., into and out of the page of FIG.
34). The legs 348, 349 may apply forces to the sample tube 342
perpendicular to the surfaces of the rollers 354, 355 (e.g., a
force vector substantially intersecting a center of rotation of the
rollers), while the rollers rotate when force is applied tangential
to the surface of their surface. In this manner, gravity may retain
the sample tube 342 vertically within the cavity 312a while still
allowing the sample tube to be freely removed or inserted, and in
the depicted embodiment, the spring 340 may hold at least a portion
of the sample tube in position within the horizontal plane (e.g.,
the plane of the paper in FIG. 34). In some embodiments, the
rollers 354, 355 may cause the legs 348, 349 to each apply a purely
horizontal force to the sample tube 342. In some embodiments, the
rollers 354, 355 may define generally hollow cylinders disposed
about the legs 348, 349. In some embodiments, the rollers 354, 355
may be made from a low-friction material to prevent scratching the
sample tube 342. For example, in some embodiments, the rollers 354,
355 may be made of PEEK (Polyether ether ketone), PTFE
(Polytetrafluoroethylene), or Acetal (Polyoxymethylene).
[0077] With reference to FIG. 35, a simplified embodiment of the
spring 340, sample tube 342, and surrounding components are shown
for illustration purposes. In the depicted embodiment, the legs
348, 349 may apply forces 364, 366 on the sample tube 342 in
directions that are at least partially towards a detector 362
(e.g., the first detector 31) and at least partially towards a
center axis 360 bisecting the legs 348, 349. In some embodiments,
the center axis 360 may extend between a diametric center of the
post 346 and the detector 362. In some embodiments, the widthwise
center of one or more windows (e.g., windows 40 and 42 shown in
FIGS. 16-17) may be defined on the center axis 360. Although not
shown in FIG. 35, a window (e.g., window 42 shown in FIGS. 16-17
and window 106 shown in FIG. 34) may be positioned between the
sample tube 342 and the detector 362.
[0078] The cavity 312a may be bounded by a wall 316a of the optical
test platform. In some embodiments, two or more alignment ribs 352,
353 may be disposed on the wall 316a of the cavity 312a to help
position the sample tube 342 along the center axis 360. In some
embodiments, the ribs 352, 353 may be molded as part of the shell
310. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 35, the alignment ribs 352,
353 may hold the sample tube 342 in a predetermined position (e.g.,
the position shown in FIGS. 35-36) when the legs 348, 349 apply a
force in any direction having a force component towards the
detector 362. In this manner, the alignment ribs 352, 353 may
provide a stable, repeatable position for the sample tube 342
without requiring a precise force vector from the legs 348, 349,
and the ribs 352, 353 may guide the sample tube 342 into position,
for example, to a position centered along the center axis 360. In
some embodiments, the legs 348, 349 may be configured to apply a
force to the sample tube 342 towards a point between the legs
(e.g., an intersection point of the force vectors 364, 366), with
the coiled wire 344 attempting to move the legs 348, 349 in
counter-rotating directions about the axis of the helical
spring.
[0079] The predetermined position of the sample tube 342 may be
designed to facilitate a clear, repeatable interrogation of the
sample tube using the techniques and apparatus described herein,
and the predetermined position may be dependent on the diameter of
the sample tube and the spacing between the ribs. In some
embodiments, the ribs 352, 353 may be positioned at least at a
vertical position of one of the legs 348, 349. In some embodiments,
the ribs 352, 353 may be positioned below a vertical position of
the legs 348, 349. In some embodiments, the ribs 352, 353 may be
positioned between the vertical positions of the legs 348, 349. In
some embodiments, the ribs 352, 353 may be positioned at the
vertical position of both legs 348, 349. In some embodiments, the
legs 348, 349 may disposed on or may apply a force in a horizontal
plane, such that the line of action of the spring is on a
horizontal plane relative to the optical test platform 300. In some
embodiments, the ribs 352, 353 may extend substantially the height
of the cavity 312a.
[0080] In operation, the sample tube 342 is inserted into the
cavity 312a of the optical test platform 310 (shown in FIG. 34). As
the sample tube 342 is inserted, the legs 348, 349 are pushed away
from the center axis 360 as the rollers 354, 355 allow the sample
tube to slide into the cavity 312a. The torque created by the
elastic deformation of the coiled wire 344 of the spring 340 may
cause each leg 348, 349 to apply a force 364, 366 on the sample
tube 342. Each of the forces 364, 366 of the legs 348, 349 may be
in a direction that is at least partially towards the center axis
360 and at least partially towards the detector 362.
[0081] In some embodiments, the components of the forces 364, 366
that are perpendicular to the center axis 360 may cancel, leaving a
net force on the sample tube 342 along the center axis 360 towards
the detector 362. The spring 340 may apply a reaction force on the
post 346 at a point closest to the detector 362 on the center axis
360. In some embodiments, as described below, the legs 348, 349 may
be vertically offset such that there is a slight torque applied to
the sample tube 342, and this torque may be counteracted by the
structure of the optical test platform (e.g., the ribs 352, 353
and/or guide surface 368). The sample tube 342 may be held
vertically within the cavity 312a between the various contact
points described herein.
[0082] In some embodiments, the spring 340 (shown in FIGS. 34-36)
and alignment structures 352, 353, 368 may be configured to
position the sample tube 342 (shown in FIGS. 34-35) adjacent the
third window 106 such that the density signal (e.g., the portion of
the source light that passes through the sample tube towards the
density sensor) is incident upon the sample tube 342 and window 106
perpendicular to their respective surfaces. In such embodiments,
the spring 340 may be positioned opposite the window 106 as shown
in FIG. 34. In such embodiments, the emitted light may also be
incident upon the sample tube perpendicular to its surface, and the
emitted light and density signal may travel at least partially
along the center axis 360 shown in FIG. 35 (e.g., the detector 362
may receive the density signal 154). In some embodiments, the
spring 340 may position the sample tube 342 closer to the third
window 106 than to the first window 102 or second window 104, such
that in some embodiments the surface of the sample tube may not
align with the second window 104 to transmit the nephelometric
signal 152 perpendicularly through both surfaces. As detailed
herein, in some embodiments, the spring 340 may be configured to
position the sample tube adjacent any of the first, second, or
third windows, with the alignment ribs on either side of any of the
aforementioned windows and the spring opposite any of the
aforementioned windows.
[0083] When no sample tube 342 is inserted in the cavity 312a, the
legs 348, 349 of the spring 340 may engage respective stops 350,
351 on the optical test instrument 310 (shown in FIG. 34). In some
embodiments, the stops 350, 351 may be positioned equidistant from
the center axis 360 such that the legs 348, 349 remain centered
relative to the axis 360 to receive the sample tube 342
therebetween. In some embodiments, the stops 350, 351 may be
configured to engage the legs 348, 349 such that the spring 340 is
always elastically deformed when positioned on the post 346. In
such embodiments, spring 340 may apply a force to the stops 350,
351 when not otherwise obstructed or resisted by the sample tube
342, and the continuous deformation may help create a smooth motion
in the spring 340 without slop or slack in the motion or
application of force. In some embodiments, the legs 348, 349 may be
disposed perpendicular to each other when the legs are engaged with
the respective stops 350, 351. In some embodiments, the stops 350,
351 may be positioned such that the legs 348, 349 and rollers 354,
355 protrude vertically over the cavity 312a when no sample tube
342 is inserted. In some embodiments, the stops 350, 351 may be
positioned such that the legs 348, 349 and rollers 354, 355
protrude less than half way over the cavity 312a when no sample
tube 342 is inserted. In some embodiments, the spring 340 may be
positioned between the shell 310 of the optical test platform and
the outer housing of the instrument (shown in FIG. 1).
[0084] In some embodiments, the stops 350, 351 may be positioned
such that, when a sample tube 342 is inserted into the cavity and
is held against the ribs 352, 353, the legs 348, 349 comes into
contact with the stops. In some embodiments, the sample tube 342
may prevent the legs 348, 349 from contacting the stops 350, 351
when in the predetermined position. In some embodiments, the legs
348, 349 may apply a force (e.g., forces 364, 366) to the sample
tube 342 both before and while the sample tube is in the
predetermined position against the ribs 352, 353.
[0085] Turning to FIG. 36, a perspective view of an embodiment of
the spring 340 is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the legs 348,
349 cross each other near the coiled portion of the wire 344. As
shown in FIG. 35, the cross over may occur along the center axis
360. Outward force on the legs 348, 349 away from the center axis
360 may cause the coiled wire 344 to torsionally tighten and
compress in the depicted embodiment.
[0086] Turning back to FIG. 36, the legs 348, 349 may be vertically
separated from each other due to the thickness of the spring 340 in
the axis of the helical coil, which may cause one leg (e.g., the
uppermost leg 349) to protrude over the cavity (e.g., cavity 312a
shown in FIGS. 34-35) at a higher position than another leg (e.g.,
lowermost leg 348). In such embodiments, a torque may be applied to
the sample tube 342 in a direction within the horizontal plane
(e.g., the plane of the paper in FIGS. 34-35) attempting to move
the sample tube out of vertical alignment, and the torque may be
counteracted by the structures and guiding surfaces of the optical
test platform described herein. In some embodiments, the legs may
be bent or otherwise reoriented in another direction while still
being able to apply force to the sample tube.
[0087] With reference to FIG. 34, in some embodiments, the lower
end of the cavity 312a, proximate the lower window 108, may define
a U-shaped guide surface 368 oriented with a curved portion 369
defining a semi-circle and a pair of straight portions 370
extending to either side of a window 106. In the depicted
embodiment, the curved portion 369 of the guide surface 368 is
disposed on the same side of the cavity 312a as the post 346 and
majority of the spring 340 such that the force (e.g., forces 364,
366 shown in FIG. 35) of the spring 340 pushes the sample tube 342
along the U-shaped guide surface 368 towards the alignment ribs
(e.g., alignment ribs 352, 353 shown in FIG. 35). The U-shaped
guide surface 368 may be disposed above the lower window 108, which
window may function and be structures according to the embodiments
described herein.
[0088] The sample tube 342 may engage the guide surface 368 and
hold the sample tube upright and vertical against the alignment
ribs (e.g., alignment ribs 352, 353 shown in FIG. 35). In some
embodiments, the sample tube 342 may have a curved, hemispherical
bottom which may rest against a complementarily angled surface of
the guide surface 348. The curved portion of the guide surface 368
may define a center of curvature that is offset from the center of
the lower window 108 and the center of the cavity 312a, such that
the sample tube is positioned closer to a window 106 opposite the
spring 340 and post 346 than to the windows 102, 104 on the other
surfaces of the wall 316a of the cavity. The guide surface 368 and
alignment ribs 352, 353 may cooperate to hold the sample tube 342
substantially vertically within the cavity 312a and may cooperate
to hold the sample tube parallel to the wall 316a of the cavity.
The curved portion 369 and straight portions 370 may provide a
counteracting force to the torque of the offset legs 348, 349 on
the embodiment of the spring 340 and sample tube 342 described
above.
[0089] Turning to FIGS. 37-45 another embodiment of the optical
test platform 800 is shown. The optical test platform 800 may
include a shell 810 with one or more mounts 820, 822, 824; an
aperture 830; upper apertures 814a, 814b; and cavities 812a, 812b
that may each be structured and operate in substantially the same
manner as the example optical test platforms 13, 300 detailed
above. Moreover, embodiments of the optical test platform 800, or
portions thereof, may be incorporated into or substituted for
portions of the optical test platforms 13, 300 detailed herein. In
some embodiments, a first cavity 812a may be used for testing
and/or operating on the fluid in a sample tube, while the second
cavity 812b includes no testing windows or detectors.
[0090] With continued reference to FIG. 34, the optical test
platform 800 may include at least one spring 840 that urges a
sample tube 842 to a predetermined position within one or more of
the cavities 812a, 812b. The spring 840 may include rollers 854,
855 that operate in substantially the same manner as the rollers
354, 355 detailed above. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 34, the
optical test platform 800 includes a spring 840 configured to bias
a sample tube 842 towards a window 806. The depicted spring 840
includes a coiled wire 844 disposed around a post 846 (shown in
FIG. 38) and two legs 848, 849 defining the respective ends of the
wire. The spring 840 may operate as a helical torsion spring, such
that the helical coiled wire 844 is twisted about the axis of the
coil (e.g., an axis extending perpendicular to the page of FIG. 34)
by bending moments applied at the legs 848, 849.
[0091] With reference to FIG. 38, an example underside of a portion
(e.g., the angled top 11) of the housing of the handheld unit of an
optical test instrument (e.g., handheld unit 10 of optical test
instrument 1 shown in FIG. 1) is depicted. In the depicted
embodiment, the portion of the housing (e.g., the angled top 11)
has a post 846 and a pair of stops 849, 850 extending downwardly
therefrom towards the optical test platform (e.g., optical test
platform 800 shown in FIG. 37). In some embodiments, the portion of
the housing may be an insert that fits within the angled top 11
(e.g., along the part line on the angled top 11 shown
circumferentially around the sample tubes 14 in FIG. 1) The post
846 and stops 849, 850 may each be structured and operate in
substantially the same manner as the post 346 and stops 349, 350
detailed above, except that some or all of the post and stops may
be attached to the portion 11 of the housing of the handheld unit
instead of the optical test platform. The post and stops may be
interchanged, such that a post 846 may be attached to the portion
of the housing, while one or more of the stops 349, 350 are
attached to the optical test platform, or vice versa.
[0092] Turning to FIGS. 39 and 40, in some embodiments, the
cavities 812a, 812b of the optical test platform 800 may be at
least partially defined by a wall 816a, 816b of the shell 810. In
some embodiments, a wall (e.g., wall 816a) may include one or more
alignment ribs (e.g., alignment ribs 352, 353 shown in FIG. 35).
With continued reference to FIGS. 39 and 40, in some embodiments,
the wall 816a may be taller in certain positions than in others.
For example, the wall 816a shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 is taller in an
area adjacent to the third window 806 and third mount 824 than in
an area adjacent to the first window 802 and first mount 820. With
reference to FIG. 39, the wall 816a may define a first, taller
height from the slot 880 (configured to receive a switch therein
for detecting the sample tube, such as a mechanical switch) to
second window 804, including the third window 806; and the wall
816a may define a second, shorter height from the second window 804
back around to the slot 880, including the first window 802.
[0093] In some embodiments, the portion of the wall 816a against
which the sample tube (e.g., sample tube 342 shown in FIG. 35) is
forced is taller than the portion of the wall adjacent the spring
(e.g., spring 340 shown in FIG. 35 and/or spring 840 shown in FIG.
37).
[0094] The ribs (e.g., alignment ribs 352, 353 shown in FIG. 35)
may be positioned on the first, taller portion of the wall and the
spring 840 may be positioned above the second, shorter portion of
the wall (e.g., as shown in FIG. 37). In such embodiments, the
spring 840 may be positioned in line with the ribs on a generally
horizontal plane relative to the optical test platform 800, such
that the line of action of the spring is directed at the alignment
ribs.
[0095] With reference to FIGS. 37 and 39-41, the shell 810 may
include guide surfaces 868 having a curved portion 869 and straight
portions 870 configured to align and hold the sample tubes (e.g.,
sample tube 342 shown in FIG. 34) within the cavities 812a, 812b.
In the depicted embodiment, the guide surfaces 868 are positioned
in both cavities 812a, 812b and are each shaped as U-channels. The
depicted guide surface 868 in the cavity 812a with windows 802,
804, 806, 808 is oriented towards the third window 806 such that
the guide surface 868 cooperates with the spring 840 and alignment
ribs to hold the sample tube vertically in a repeatable, consistent
position as described above. The guide surface 868 may taper
downwardly and inwardly from a plane or axis on the wall 816a of
the cavity 812a towards the window 808, such that the base of the
sample tube is guided towards the repeatable, consistent
predetermined position as it is inserted.
[0096] In some embodiments, the lower window 808 may define a
complementary shape to the lower portion of the cavity 812a. With
reference to FIGS. 39-41 and 44-45, the lower window 808 may be
substantially "U" or "bell" shaped to match the shape of the wall
816a and guide surfaces 868 of the cavity 812a. The lower window
808 may include a raised edge 809 configured to engage the wall
816a. With reference to FIG. 40, the lower window 808 may be
enclosed by and firmly fixed to the shell 810 (e.g., by
overmolding) at the bottom of the cavity 812a. With reference to
FIG. 41, in some embodiments, a lower aperture 830 through which
the illumination light is transmitted may be substantially circular
(e.g., similar to the aperture 330). The lower aperture 830 may
define a radial center at substantially the horizontal center of
the cavity 812a.
[0097] With reference to FIGS. 39-41 and 43, in some embodiments,
the upper windows 802, 804, 806 may be substantially square and may
not extend the full height of the cavity 812a or the channels in
which they are seated. The windows 802, 804, 806 may be engaged
with the shell 810 according to any of the embodiments disclosed
herein. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the windows 802,
804, 806 may be shorter than the second, shorter height of the wall
816a discussed above, such that the spring 840 may operate over the
windows. The upper windows 802, 804, 806 may be embedded in the
shell 810 (e.g., via overmolding), slid into the shell (e.g.,
vertically downward into predefined channels), or attached via any
other means.
[0098] Further details regarding the operation and layout of the
optical test platform may be found in U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/487,807, entitled "Optical Test Platform," and filed Apr.
20, 2017, which application is incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety.
[0099] As previously discussed, a variety of sample tube
configurations may be used in connection with the optical density
instrument 1. For instance, the sample tubes may comprise at least
one of glass, polycarbonate, polystyrene and/or the like. For
example, sample tubes used for calibration reference may comprise
polycarbonate, while disposable sample tubes may comprise
polystyrene. Moreover, as mentioned, the sample tubes may include
individual sample tubes or a dual sample tube structure. For
example, FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a dual sample tube structure
14 in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. As
shown in FIG. 18, two sample tubes 14 are linked via a top
connecting portion 61 at the tops of the sample tubes 14 and a
bridge structure 62 between the sample tubes 14 at the middle of
the sample tubes 14. The top connecting portion 61 and the bridge
structure 62 may promote stability of the sample tubes 14 within
the handheld unit 10 and the optical test platform 13 to prevent
spills, leaks, and/or the like. Moreover, in some embodiments the
dual sample tube structure 14 shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B may
include a black and white scale (e.g., Wickham Scale) on the bridge
structure 62 between the sample tubes 14 for better visualization
of turbidity by a user. Referring back to FIG. 1, in some
embodiments, a Wickham Scale may be disposed in a slot between the
cavities that receive the sample tubes. In some embodiments, the
bridge structure 62 may be keyed to a particular orientation of the
sample tubes, such that they cannot be reversed accidentally. For
example, the bridge structure 62 shown in FIG. 18A-18B may include
a protrusion that inserts into a slot of the handheld unit 10 or
into a slot on the Wickham Scale (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1).
[0100] According to certain embodiments, the bottom 12 of the
handheld portion 10 may further comprise tip resistant features.
For example, FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the handheld unit 10 in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. As shown in
FIG. 19, the bottom 12 of the handheld unit 10 comprises a
plurality support elements 51 (e.g., non-skid feet). The plurality
of support elements 51 may provide tip resistance to the handheld
portion 10. If sufficient force is applied to the handheld unit 10
to cause the handheld unit 10 to raise off the support elements 51,
then the handheld unit 10 will slide without tipping due to the
translational surface 52 surrounding the support elements 51 on the
bottom 12 of the handheld unit 10. In this regard, the handheld
unit 10 may be tip resistant at any displacement angle.
[0101] In some embodiments, the support elements 51 may be
positioned on the bottom shell surface 12 such that one of the
support elements 51 is located along a diametric line of what may
be a circular bottom shell surface 12, and a second and third
support elements 51 are each located equidistance from the
diametric line and the first support element. As shown in FIG. 19,
this positioning of the support elements 51, along with recessing
the support elements partly into the bottom shell surface 12 may be
combined in an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some
embodiments, the support elements may be circumferentially
equidistant from each adjacent support element and each support
element may be equidistant from a center of the bottom surface 12.
Additionally, in some embodiments as shown in FIG. 19, the support
elements 51 may be spaced a distance from the outer edge of the
bottom shell surface 12. Particularly, the support elements 51 may
be disposed on a concentric circle having a diameter that is less
than the outer diameter of the bottom shell surface 12. As
described below, in such an embodiment, the translational surface
52 may be positioned as an annular portion of the bottom shell
surface extending radially outward from the support elements 51 to
the outer edge of the bottom shell surface 12.
[0102] The translational surface 52 may be configured with a lower
coefficient of friction to allow the optical testing instrument to
slide when supported by the translational surface (e.g., when the
optical testing instrument is tipped as described herein. As
depicted in FIG. 19, the translational surface 52 of the bottom
shell surface 12 may, in some embodiments, comprise a substantially
flat surface. In an instance in which the handheld unit 10 is
oriented in an operational testing position, flat on a table or
other work surface, the translational surface 52 may be positioned
substantially parallel to the support surface and may be held above
the support surface by the support elements 51. In some
embodiments, the translational surface 52 may be a section or
portion of the bottom shell surface 12. In some embodiments, the
translational surface 52 may be a contiguous section or portion of
the bottom shell surface 12. In some embodiments, all of the bottom
shell surface 12 may have the lower friction coefficient than the
support elements 51, and the portion of the bottom shell surface 12
that contacts the support surface may be considered the
translational surface. In some embodiments, the translational
surface 52 may be defined as an annular portion of the bottom shell
surface 12 extending circumferentially around an edge of the bottom
shell surface 12. By a more particular example, the translational
surface 52 may be defined by the bottom shell surface 12 as an
annular portion of the bottom shell surface extending radially
outward from the support elements 51 to an edge of the bottom shell
surface 12.
[0103] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, in light
of this disclosure, that the support elements 51 and bottom shell
surface 12 may take many shapes and forms so long as the handheld
unit 10 is permitted to translate on the translational surface 52
when tipped, rather than tipping completely over. To facilitate the
translation, a portion of the translational surface 52 need only be
positioned opposite the direction of force from the support
elements 51 that form the fulcrum of the instrument. Said
differently, with reference to FIG. 46, when the handheld unit 10
is tipped about a pivot axis on one or more of the support elements
51, the translational support surface 52 is pivoted into contact
with the support surface 125. In many instances, this means that
portions of the translational surface 52 are positioned radially
outward of the support elements 51. In some further embodiments,
the translational support surface 52 engages the support surface
125 before the instrument can tip past the point that its center of
gravity carries the instrument the rest of the way over.
[0104] In some embodiments, the translation of the handheld unit 10
may begin when the tipping force (e.g., force 126 shown in FIG. 46)
or inertia of the instrument overcomes the static friction between
the instrument (e.g., including the combination of translational
surface 52 and support element 51 surfaces currently touching the
support surface) and the support surface 125. For example, if the
support elements 51 have a higher coefficient of friction than the
translational surface 52, the greater the portion of the
instrument's weight that is transferred to the translational
surface 52, the more likely the instrument is to slide. In this
manner, the handheld unit 10 may begin translating while both the
translational surface 52 and one or more of the support elements 51
are in contact with the support surface 125. In such embodiments,
as the handheld unit 10 tips, a greater and greater portion of the
weight of the instrument is transferred to the translational
surface 52, thus gradually lowering the frictional resistance
between the instrument and the support surface 125. Once the
lateral force between the handheld unit 10 and the support surface
125 overcomes the decreasing frictional resistance, the instrument
begins to translate. The stability of the tool may depend upon the
height of the support elements 51, the coefficients of friction of
the support elements 51 and the translational element 52, the
distance between the support elements 51 and the contact point of
the translational element 52 (e.g., the point, proximate the edge
of the bottom shell surface 12, at which the translational surface
52 contacts the support surface 125), the center of gravity of the
handheld unit 10, the width of the handheld unit 10, the shape of
the bottom shell surface 12, and the properties of the support
surface 125.
[0105] In some embodiments, the handheld unit 10 may pivot about
two or more support elements 51 about a common contact axis
extending therebetween. In such embodiments, the handheld unit 10
may pivot about the two or more support elements 51 until the
translational surface 52 contacts the support surface. Further
details regarding the operation and layout of the tip resistant
features may be found in U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/487,860, entitled "Tip Resistant Optical Testing Instrument,"
and filed Apr. 20, 2017, which application is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
[0106] In this regard, the optical density instrument provides
additional convenience, comfort, and safety over existing density
measurement devices.
II. System for Measuring Optical Density
[0107] In another aspect, certain embodiments according to the
invention provide systems for measuring optical density of a
sample. The system includes the optical density instrument 1
discussed above and a user interface 130. For example, FIG. 20 is a
block diagram of a system 100 for measuring optical density of a
sample in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. As
shown in FIG. 20, the system 100 may include processing circuitry
110 that may be configured to interface with, control or otherwise
coordinate the operations of various components or modules
described herein in connection with measuring optical density as
described herein. In some embodiments, the system 100 may further
include a communication interface 116 for transmitting and
receiving information from other sensors, computers, and input
devices (e.g., locally or via a local or remote network).
[0108] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 110 may be
embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the processing
circuitry 110 may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g.,
chips) including materials, components and/or wires on a structural
assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide
physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of
electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon.
The processing circuitry 110 may therefore, in some cases, be
configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a
single chip or as a single "system on a chip." As such, in some
cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or
more operations for providing the functionalities described
herein.
[0109] According to certain embodiments, the processing circuitry
110 may include one or more instances of a processor 112 and memory
114 that may be in communication with or otherwise control a user
interface 130. As such, the processing circuitry 110 may be
embodied as a circuit chip (e.g., an integrated circuit chip)
configured (e.g., with hardware, software or a combination of
hardware and software) to perform operations described herein.
[0110] The user interface 130 may include one or more interface
mechanisms or devices for enabling communication with a user (e.g.,
a laptop computer). In some cases, the user interface 130 may be
any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either
hardware, or a combination of hardware and software that is
configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to devices or
components in communication with the processing circuitry 110 via
internal and/or external communication mechanisms. Accordingly, for
example, the user interface 130 may further include wired and/or
wireless communication equipment for at least communicating between
a user and the optical density instrument 1, and/or other
components or modules described herein. The user interface 130 may
be in communication with the processing circuitry 110 to receive an
indication of a user input at the user interface 130 and/or to
provide an audible, visual, mechanical, or other output to the
user. As such, the user interface 130 may include, for example, a
keypad, display, a touch screen display (e.g., display 615 shown in
FIG. 25) and/or other input/output mechanisms. As such, the user
interface 130 may, in some example embodiments, provide means for
user control of managing or processing data access operations
and/or the like. In some example embodiments a user interface 130
may not be present in the detection device, but the user interface
may be implemented on a remote device (e.g., smart phone, tablet,
personal computer and/or the like) communicatively connected to the
detection such as by Bluetooth.TM. communication or a local area
network, for example.
[0111] The communication interface 116 may include one or more
interface mechanisms for enabling communication with other devices
and/or networks. In some cases, the communication interface 116 may
be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either
hardware, or a combination of hardware and software that is
configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to a network and/or
any other device or module in communication with the processing
circuitry 110. By way of example, the communication interface 116
may be configured to enable communication amongst components of the
system 100, the detection device, and/or remote computing devices.
In some examples, the communication interface 116 may include a
network configured to transmit information amongst various devices.
Accordingly, the communication interface 116 may, for example,
include supporting hardware and/or software for enabling wireless
and/or wireline communications via cable, digital subscriber line
(DSL), universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet, or other methods.
[0112] The network in which system 100, the detection device,
and/or any of the components thereof may operate may include a
local area network, the Internet, any other form of a network, or
in any combination thereof, including proprietary private and
semi-private networks and public networks. The network may comprise
a wired network and/or a wireless network (e.g., a cellular
network, wireless local area network, wireless wide area network,
some combination thereof, and/or the like).
[0113] The processor 112 may be embodied in a number of different
ways. For example, the processor 112 may be embodied as various
processing means such as one or more of a microprocessor or other
processing element, a coprocessor, a controller or various other
computing or processing devices including integrated circuits such
as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit),
an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or the like. Although
illustrated as a single processor, it will be appreciated that the
processor 112 may comprise a plurality of processors. The plurality
of processors may be in operative communication with each other and
may be collectively configured to perform one or more
functionalities of the system 100 and/or detection device as
described herein. The plurality of processors may be embodied on a
single computing device or distributed across a plurality of
computing devices collectively configured to function as apparatus
100. For example, some operations performed herein may be performed
by components of the detection device while some operations may be
performed on a remote device communicatively connected to the
detection device. For example, a user device such as a smart phone,
tablet, personal computer and/or the like may be configured to
communicate with the detection device such as by Bluetooth.TM.
communication or over a local area network. Additionally or
alternatively, a remote server device may perform some of the
operations described herein, such as processing data collected by
any of the sensors, and providing or communicating resultant data
to other devices accordingly.
[0114] In an example embodiment, the processor 112 may be
configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 114 or
otherwise accessible to the processor 112. As such, whether
configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and
software, the processor 112 may represent an entity (e.g.,
physically embodied in circuitry--in the form of processing
circuitry 110) capable of performing operations according to
embodiments of the present invention while configured accordingly.
Thus, for example, when the processor 112 is embodied as an ASIC,
FPGA or the like, the processor 112 may be specifically configured
hardware for conducting the operations described herein.
Alternatively, as another example, when the processor 112 is
embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions
may specifically configure the processor 112 to perform the
operations described herein in reference to execution of an example
embodiment.
[0115] In some embodiments, the memory 114 may include one or more
non-transitory memory devices such as, for example, volatile and/or
non-volatile memory that may be either fixed or removable. The
memory 114 may comprise a non-transitory computer-readable storage
medium. It will be appreciated that while the memory 114 is
illustrated as a single memory, the memory 114 may comprise a
plurality of memories. The plurality of memories may be embodied on
a single computing device or may be distributed across a plurality
of computing devices. The memory 114 may be configured to store
information, data, applications, instructions or the like for
enabling the processing circuitry 110 to carry out various
functions in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present
invention. For example, the memory 114 may be configured to buffer
input data for processing by the processor 112. Additionally or
alternatively, the memory 114 may be configured to store
instructions for execution by the processor 112. As yet another
alternative or additional capability, the memory 114 may include
one or more databases that may store or buffer a variety of data
sets or tables useful for operation of the modules described below
and/or the processing circuitry 110. Among the contents of the
memory 114, applications or instruction sets may be stored for
execution by the processor 112 in order to carry out the
functionality associated with each respective application or
instruction set. In particular, the memory 114 may store executable
instructions that enable the computational power of the processing
circuitry 110 to be employed to improve the functioning of the
optical density instrument 1 as described herein. For example,
memory 114 may store data detected by a sensor(s) of the detection
device, and/or application code for processing such data according
to example embodiments. In some cases, the memory 114 may be in
communication with one or more of the processor 112, communication
interface 116, user interface 130, illumination light 33, density
sensor 31, nephelometric sensor 32, emitter 30, and/or other
components of the system 100. As such, the improved operation of
the computational components of the optical density instrument 1
transforms the optical density instrument 1 into a more capable
tool for measuring optical density of a sample as described
herein.
[0116] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of the sensor network 190 in the
system 100 for measuring optical density of a sample in accordance
with certain embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the
sensor network 190 may provide data to the components described
above to facilitate execution of the functions described above,
and/or any other functions that the components may be configurable
to perform. In some cases, the sensor network 190 may include
(perhaps among other things) any or all of a density sensor 31 or a
nephelometric sensor 32, as shown in FIG. 21. In this regard, FIG.
21 illustrates a block diagram of some components that may be
employed as part of the sensor network 190 in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0117] In some embodiments, the system 100, which may be embodied
as a single apparatus or system of components, may be implemented
as or at least partially as a distributed system or cloud based
system and may therefore include any number of remote user devices
and/or server devices. Accordingly, example embodiments may not
necessarily be limited to use in a laboratory settings, but may be
implemented, for example in a manufacturing setting or other
environment such that remote processing and/or monitoring of data
collected by the detection device may be performed on servers
and/or other like computing devices. Regardless of implementation,
system 100 may be configured to perform and/or control performance
of the various components and functionalities of the detection
device as described herein.
[0118] In this regard, the system provides the additional
convenience, comfort, and safety of the optical density instrument
1 over existing density measurement devices while also being
continuously connected to a user interface.
III. Methods for Measuring Optical Density
[0119] In yet another aspect, certain embodiments according to the
invention provide methods for measuring optical density of a
sample. FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a method 200 for measuring
optical density of a sample in accordance with certain embodiments
of the invention. As shown in FIG. 22, the method 200 may include
receiving at least two sample tubes, at least one of the sample
tubes containing a sample at operation 210, emitting a source light
through the sample in the sample tubes according to a light
modulation pattern at operation 220, detecting any source light
transmitted through or reflected by the sample to generate raw
light data at operation 230, and converting the raw light data into
optical density data at operation 240, and the optional steps of
communicating the optical density data to a display screen at
operation 250, and communicating the optical density data to a user
interface of a separate computing device at operation 260. In some
embodiments, illuminating the sample occurs concurrently with at
least emitting the source light or detecting the source light. In
further embodiments, communicating the optical density data to a
user interface of a separate computing device occurs
continuously.
[0120] In some embodiments, the light from the illumination light
33 may cause interference with detection of a signal by a sensor of
the optical density instrument. If the ambient light or
supplemental light is too bright, the light may "flood out" or
interfere with sensor readings. However, as previously discussed,
the illumination light may be needed to enable a user to see the
sample tube and sample tube contents. For example, the density
sensor 31 configured to detect source light through the sample tube
14 and/or the nephelometric sensor 32 configured to detect
reflected or scattered source light from particles in the sample
tube may be impacted by the illumination light such that the
readings become inaccurate. Example embodiments may therefore
modulate the illumination light such that sensor readings may be
performed when the illumination light is off.
[0121] FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating example operations of
system 100 according to some example embodiments. As shown by
operation 4700 of FIG. 47, system may include means, such as
processing circuitry 110, processor 112, memory 114, communication
interface 116, illumination light 33 (shown in FIG. 15), and/or the
like, for causing an illumination light (e.g., illumination light
33) to be powered on and off according to a light modulation
pattern having on cycles and off cycles for the illumination
light.
[0122] For example, FIGS. 23 and 24 are example timing diagrams in
accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. As shown in
FIG. 23, after sample tube insertion (400), the illumination light
may be powered on (402) and off (404) for a predetermined interval
of time. In some embodiments, the light modulation pattern may be
configured to begin in response to an indication of a sample tube
insertion. The indication may be provided in response to triggering
of a physical switch in the detection device and/or user input to
user interface 130, for example. The time intervals of the on and
off cycles may be any predetermined or dynamically determined
period of time. The time interval of an on cycle may be the same or
different as that of an off cycle, and in some example, the
intervals may change or vary. The example light modulation pattern
of FIG. 23 indicates an 8 millisecond (ms) on cycle followed by an
8 ms off cycle, repeated. In this regard, the illumination light is
modulated with a 16 ms period and 50% duty cycle (403).
[0123] The light modulation pattern may be determined such that the
illumination light is powered on for durations adequate for
enabling supplemental light to be provided for the practitioner or
user to view the suspension in the sample tube, but powered off for
durations such that the supplemental illumination appears constant
to the user. In this regard, no flickering or an insignificant
amount of flickering may be apparent to the user such that the
illumination light appears constant. The time intervals of the on
and/or off cycle may therefore be determined based on a variety of
factors including but not limited to the type, size, and/or
luminosity of illumination light. Other timing intervals than those
illustrated may therefore be used. For example, in some
embodiments, the illumination light may cycle on and off for
intervals of 10 ms. In some embodiments, the light modulation
pattern may comprise time-division multiplexing the illumination
light and the emitter.
[0124] In some embodiments, the longest off cycle may be defined by
the period a human can tolerate the illumination light being off.
For example, in some embodiments, the off cycle may be 16.66 ms or
less (e.g., 30 Hz cycle or greater). In some embodiments, the
shortest off cycle may be defined by the time required to process a
sensor reading. For example, in some embodiments and for some
sensors, a sensor may require 6 ms to process a reading. In such
embodiments, the off cycle may be 6 ms or greater (e.g., 84 Hz
cycle or less). In some embodiments and for some sensors, a sensor
may require 8 ms to process a reading. In such embodiments, the off
cycle may be 8 ms or greater (e.g., 65 Hz cycle or less).
[0125] Thus, in some embodiments, the off cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be from 6 ms to 16.66 ms. In some
embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 5 ms to 16.66 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 4 ms to 16.66 ms. In some
embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 3 ms to 16.66 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 16.66 ms. In some
embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 6 ms to 16 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be from 5 ms to 16 ms. In some embodiments,
the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 4 ms to
16 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation
pattern may be from 3 ms to 16 ms. In some embodiments, the off
cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 16 ms. In
some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be from 6 ms to 17 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 5 ms to 17 ms. In some
embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 4 ms to 17 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be from 3 ms to 17 ms. In some embodiments,
the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to
17 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation
pattern may be from 2 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the off
cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 19 ms. In
some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be from 2 ms to 18 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 15 ms. In some
embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 2 ms to 14 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 13 ms. In some embodiments,
the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to
12 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation
pattern may be from 2 ms to 11 ms. In some embodiments, the off
cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 10 ms. In
some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be from 2 ms to 9 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 8 ms. In some
embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 2 ms to 7 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 6 ms. In some embodiments,
the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 5
ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation
pattern may be from 2 ms to 4 ms. In some embodiments, the off
cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 3 ms. In
some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be from 3 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 4 ms to 20 ms. In some
embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 5 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be from 6 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments,
the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 7 ms to
20 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation
pattern may be from 8 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the off
cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 9 ms to 20 ms. In
some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be from 10 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 11 ms to 20 ms. In some
embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 12 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 13 ms to 20 ms. In some
embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 14 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 15 ms to 20 ms. In some
embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 16 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 17 ms to 20 ms. In some
embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 18 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 19 ms to 20 ms.
[0126] Thus, in some embodiments, the on cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be from 6 ms to 16.66 ms. In some
embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 5 ms to 16.66 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 4 ms to 16.66 ms. In some
embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 3 ms to 16.66 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 16.66 ms. In some
embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 6 ms to 16 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be from 5 ms to 16 ms. In some embodiments,
the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 4 ms to 16
ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation
pattern may be from 3 ms to 16 ms. In some embodiments, the on
cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 16 ms. In
some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be from 6 ms to 17 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 5 ms to 17 ms. In some
embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 4 ms to 17 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be from 3 ms to 17 ms. In some embodiments,
the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 17
ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation
pattern may be from 2 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the on
cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 19 ms. In
some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be from 2 ms to 18 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 15 ms. In some
embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 2 ms to 14 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 13 ms. In some embodiments,
the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 12
ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation
pattern may be from 2 ms to 11 ms. In some embodiments, the on
cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 10 ms. In
some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be from 2 ms to 9 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 8 ms. In some
embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 2 ms to 7 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 6 ms. In some embodiments,
the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 5
ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation
pattern may be from 2 ms to 4 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle
of the light modulation pattern may be from 2 ms to 3 ms. In some
embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 3 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be from 4 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments,
the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 5 ms to 20
ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation
pattern may be from 6 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the on
cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 7 ms to 20 ms. In
some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be from 8 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be from 9 ms to 20 ms. In some
embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 10 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be from 11 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments,
the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 12 ms to
20 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation
pattern may be from 13 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the on
cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 14 ms to 20 ms.
In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern
may be from 15 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of
the light modulation pattern may be from 16 ms to 20 ms. In some
embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
from 17 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be from 18 ms to 20 ms. In some embodiments,
the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be from 19 ms to
20 ms.
[0127] In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation
pattern may be less than 21 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle
of the light modulation pattern may be less than 20 ms. In some
embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
less than 19 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be less than 18 ms. In some embodiments, the
off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be less than 17 ms.
In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern
may be less than 16 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be less than 15 ms. In some
embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
less than 14 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be less than 13 ms. In some embodiments, the
off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be less than 12 ms.
In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern
may be less than 11 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be less than 10 ms. In some
embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
less than 9 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be less than 8 ms. In some embodiments, the
off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be less than 7 ms. In
some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be less than 6 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be less than 5 ms. In some embodiments, the
off cycle of the light modulation pattern may be less than 4 ms. In
some embodiments, the off cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be less than 3 ms. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be less than 2 ms.
[0128] In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation
pattern may be less than 21 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle
of the light modulation pattern may be less than 20 ms. In some
embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be
less than 19 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be less than 18 ms. In some embodiments, the
on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be less than 17 ms. In
some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be less than 16 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be less than 15 ms. In some embodiments, the
on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be less than 14 ms. In
some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be less than 13 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be less than 12 ms. In some embodiments, the
on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be less than 11 ms. In
some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be less than 10 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be less than 9 ms. In some embodiments, the
on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be less than 8 ms. In
some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be less than 7 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be less than 6 ms. In some embodiments, the
on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be less than 5 ms. In
some embodiments, the on cycle of the light modulation pattern may
be less than 4 ms. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the light
modulation pattern may be less than 3 ms. In some embodiments, the
on cycle of the light modulation pattern may be less than 2 ms.
[0129] In some embodiments, as described herein, the on cycle and
off cycle of the light modulation pattern may have the same
duration, which may include any pair of ranges or durations noted
herein (e.g., 2 ms on, 2 ms off; 3 ms on, 3 ms off; 4 ms on, 4 ms
off; 5 ms on, 5 ms off; 6 ms on, 6 ms off; 7 ms on, 7 ms off; 8 ms
on, 8 ms off; 9 ms on, 9 ms off; 10 ms on, 10 ms off; 11 ms on, 11
ms off; 12 ms on, 12 ms off; 13 ms on, 13 ms off; 14 ms on, 14 ms
off; 15ms on, 15 ms off; 16 ms on, 16 ms off; 17 ms on, 17 ms off;
18 ms on, 18 ms off; 19 ms on, 19 ms off; 20 ms on, 20 ms off,
etc.). In some embodiments, the on cycle and off cycle may have
different durations in accordance with any of the ranges or
durations noted herein. In some embodiments, the on cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be longer than the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern. In some embodiments, the off cycle of the
light modulation pattern may be longer than the on cycle of the
light modulation pattern.
[0130] As shown by operation 4702 of FIG. 47, the optical density
instrument 1, including system 100 may include means, such as
processing circuitry 110, processor 112, memory 114, communication
interface 116, emitter 30 (shown in FIG. 15), and/or the like, for
controlling at least one sensor to perform a dark reading while the
at least one emitter (e.g., emitter 30) is off.
[0131] In some examples, the optical density instrument 1,
including system 100 may be configured to control the sensors such
that sensor readings begin after a predetermined time delay
following tube insertion. For example, as indicated in FIG. 23, a
delay (410) of 500 ms or other predetermined time may occur from
the time of tube insertion to the start of sensor readings to
account for the time needed for a user to insert the tube into the
detection device after the apparatus detects the tube being
inserted (e.g., using a physical, optical, or other type of
switch).
[0132] A sensor reading may begin (412) and end (414) within a
single off cycle of the illumination light 33. Once the sensor
readings begin (412), sensor readings may be repeated on a
continuous cycle, such as every 192 ms (416) until the tube is
removed (420). The repeated sensor readings are described in
further detail below with respect to operations 4712 and 4714.
[0133] In some embodiments, the sensor readings may be taken every
off cycle of the illumination light 110 (e.g., an interval
corresponding to any of the intervals of the off cycle of the light
modulation pattern detailed herein). In some embodiments, the
sensor readings may be taken after a predetermined number of off
cycles of the illumination light. Said differently, the interval
between readings (416) may be a multiple of the duty cycle 403 and
off cycle duration 404. For example, in the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 4, the interval between readings is 192 ms (416), which is a
multiple (12.times.) of the 16 ms duty cycle (403).
[0134] In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may
be less than 2 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be less than 3
times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the
interval between readings (416) may be less than 4 times the length
of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be less than 5 times the length of the duty
cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between readings
(416) may be less than 6 times the length of the duty cycle (403).
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
less than 7 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be less than 8
times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the
interval between readings (416) may be less than 9 times the length
of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be less than 10 times the length of the duty
cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between readings
(416) may be less than 11 times the length of the duty cycle (403).
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
less than 12 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be less than
13 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be less than 14 times the
length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval
between readings (416) may be less than 15 times the length of the
duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be less than 16 times the length of the duty
cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between readings
(416) may be less than 17 times the length of the duty cycle (403).
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
less than 18 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be less than
19 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be less than 20 times the
length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval
between readings (416) may be less than 21 times the length of the
duty cycle (403).
[0135] In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may
be less than 500 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be less than 300 ms. In some embodiments, the
interval between readings (416) may be less than 450 ms. In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be less than
400 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416)
may be less than 350 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be less than 300 ms. In some embodiments, the
interval between readings (416) may be less than 250 ms. In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be less than
200 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416)
may be less than 150 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be less than 100 ms. In some embodiments, the
interval between readings (416) may be less than 50 ms.
[0136] In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may
be 320 ms or less. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be 304 ms or less. In some embodiments, the
interval between readings (416) may be 288 ms or less. In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be 272 ms or
less. In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may
be 256 ms or less. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be 240 ms or less. In some embodiments, the
interval between readings (416) may be 224 ms or less. In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be 208 ms or
less. In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may
be 192 ms or less. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be 176 ms or less. In some embodiments, the
interval between readings (416) may be 160 ms or less. In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be 144 ms or
less. In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may
be 128 ms or less. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be 112 ms or less. In some embodiments, the
interval between readings (416) may be 96 ms or less. In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be 80 ms or
less. In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may
be 64 ms or less. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be 48 ms or less. In some embodiments, the
interval between readings (416) may be 32 ms or less. In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be 16 ms or
less.
[0137] In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may
be from 1 to 20 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be from 2 to
20 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 4 to 20 times the
length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval
between readings (416) may be from 6 to 20 times the length of the
duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 8 to 20 times the length of the duty
cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between readings
(416) may be from 10 to 20 times the length of the duty cycle
(403). In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may
be from 12 to 20 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be from 14 to
20 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 16 to 20 times the
length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval
between readings (416) may be from 18 to 20 times the length of the
duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 1 to 18 times the length of the duty
cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between readings
(416) may be from 1 to 16 times the length of the duty cycle (403).
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 1 to 14 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be from 1 to
12 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 1 to 10 times the
length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval
between readings (416) may be from 1 to 8 times the length of the
duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 1 to 6 times the length of the duty
cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between readings
(416) may be from 1 to 4 times the length of the duty cycle (403).
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 1 to 2 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be from 6 to
18 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 8 to 18 times the
length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval
between readings (416) may be from 10 to 18 times the length of the
duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 12 to 18 times the length of the duty
cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between readings
(416) may be from 14 to 18 times the length of the duty cycle
(403). In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may
be from 6 to 16 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some
embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be from 6 to
14 times the length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 6 to 12 times the
length of the duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval
between readings (416) may be from 6 to 10 times the length of the
duty cycle (403). In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 6 to 8 times the length of the duty
cycle (403).
[0138] In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may
be from 100 ms to 500 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 150 ms to 500 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 200 ms to 500 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 250 ms to 500 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 300 ms to 500 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 350 ms to 500 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 400 ms to 500 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 450 ms to 500 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 100 ms to 450 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 100 ms to 400 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 100 ms to 350 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 100 ms to 300 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 100 ms to 250 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 100 ms to 200 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 100 ms to 150 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 192 ms to 256 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 192 ms to 240 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 192 ms to 224 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 192 ms to 208 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 176 ms to 192 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 160 ms to 192 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 144 ms to 192 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 128 ms to 192 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 176 ms to 256 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 176 ms to 240 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 176 ms to 224 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 176 ms to 208 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 176 ms to 192 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 160 ms to 176 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 144 ms to 176 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 128 ms to 176 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 144 ms to 256 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 144 ms to 240 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 144 ms to 224 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 144 ms to 208 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 144 ms to 192 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 144 ms to 176 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 144 ms to 160 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 128 ms to 144 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 128 ms to 256 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 128 ms to 240 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 128 ms to 224 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 128 ms to 208 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 128 ms to 192 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 128 ms to 176 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 128 ms to 160 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 208 ms to 256 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 208 ms to 240 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 208 ms to 224 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 192 ms to 208 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 176 ms to 208 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 160 ms to 208 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 144 ms to 208 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 128 ms to 208 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 224 ms to 256 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 224 ms to 240 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 208 ms to 224 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 192 ms to 224 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 176 ms to 224 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 160 ms to 224 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 144 ms to 224 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 128 ms to 224 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 240 ms to 256 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 224 ms to 240 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 208 ms to 240 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 192 ms to 240 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 176 ms to 240 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 160 ms to 240 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 144 ms to 240 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 128 ms to 240 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 224 ms to 256 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 208 ms to 256 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 192 ms to 256 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 176 ms to 256 ms. In some embodiments,
the interval between readings (416) may be from 160 ms to 256 ms.
In some embodiments, the interval between readings (416) may be
from 144 ms to 256 ms. In some embodiments, the interval between
readings (416) may be from 128 ms to 256 ms.
[0139] FIG. 24 is an exploded view of an 8 ms off cycle (500) of
the illumination light. In some examples, processing circuitry 110
may control the emitter 30 and/or sensors such that sensor readings
are performed following a predetermined time delay (510) following
turnoff of the illumination light (520). For example, processing
circuitry 110 may control the emitter 30 to emit a signal after 2
ms following the end of an on cycle of the light modulation
pattern. In this regard, electrons may settle and the ambient light
in the vicinity of the sample tube may stabilize, thereby reducing,
minimizing, and/or preventing interference of the illumination
light with any of the sensors.
[0140] Indicator 530 represents a dark reading(s) performed by a
sensor. For example, "D" and "N" of readings 530 represent readings
respectively performed by density sensor 31 and nephelometric
sensor 32. The term "dark" in dark reading refers to the off status
of the emitter 30 and the term dark reading is therefore not
intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, the dark reading is
used for calibrating any of the sensors to account for ambient
light, as described in further detail below. In some embodiments,
the dark readings 530 may be less than 1 ms combined. In some
embodiments, the dark readings 530 may be 800 microseconds
combined. In some embodiments, the dark readings 530 may be 800
microseconds or less combined. In some embodiments, the dark
reading time may include an analog to digital conversion (ADC) time
and a firmware (FW) execution time.
[0141] As described with respect to operation 4704 in FIG. 47, and
as shown by indicator 540 in FIG. 24, the optical density
instrument 1 may include means, such as processing circuitry 110,
processor 112, memory 114, emitter 30, and/or the like, for during
an off cycle of the light modulation pattern, controlling at least
one emitter to emit a signal (e.g., source light) for detection by
at least one sensor.
[0142] At operation 4706, the optical density instrument 1 may also
include means, such as processing circuitry 110, processor 112,
memory 114, density sensor 31, nephelometric sensor 32, any other
sensor of the detection device, and/or the like, for controlling
the at least one sensor to perform a light reading during the off
cycle of the light modulation pattern and while the at least one
emitter is on.
[0143] In this regard, following an optional predetermined time
delay (550), the optical density instrument 1 may direct the
sensors to perform a light reading 560. The optional predetermined
time delay, such as 4 ms, may be variable, and may be configured to
allow the signal or source light emitted from the emitter 540 to be
detected by a sensor. Readings "D" and "N" of readings 560
represent light readings respectively performed by density sensor
31 and nephelometric sensor 32. The term "light" in light reading
refers to the on or emitting status of the emitter 540 and is not
intended to be limiting. For instance, it will be appreciated that
the illumination light may indeed be off during a light reading, as
is illustrated in FIG. 24. In some embodiments, the light readings
560 may be less than 1 ms combined. In some embodiments, the light
readings 560 may be 800 microseconds combined. In some embodiments,
the light readings 560 may be 800 microseconds or less combined. In
some embodiments, the light reading time may include an analog to
digital conversion (ADC) time and a firmware (FW) execution
time.
[0144] At operation 4708, the optical density instrument 1 may
include means, such as processing circuitry 110, processor 112,
memory 114, and/or the like, for determining an ambient light
offset by subtracting a dark reading from a light reading. In this
regard, the converted and/or digitized readings from the sensors
may be used to calculate a quantifiable ambient light offset.
[0145] At operation 4710, the optical density instrument 1 may
include means, such as processing circuitry 110, processor 112,
memory 114, communication interface 116, and/or the like, for
calibrating sensor readings according to the ambient light offset.
In this regard, the ambient light detected by comparing the dark
reading to a light reading may be used to adjust subsequent
readings such that the sensor readings account for ambient light.
The ambient light offset may be a coefficient or other factor that
when applied to a reading performed by a sensor, the adjusted or
calibrated reading may account for ambient light such that sensor
readings may be more uniformly and/or accurately provided despite
ambient light conditions. In this regard, a dark reading and/or
calculation of the ambient light offset may occur once following
sample tube insertion or may be repeated any number of times during
repeated cycle readings (for example, for each light reading, or
for every predetermined number of light readings).
[0146] At operation 4712, the optical density instrument 1 may
include means, such as processing circuitry 110, processor 112,
memory 114, density sensor 31, nephelometric sensor 32, any other
sensor of the detection device, and/or the like, for controlling
the at least one sensor to perform a plurality of readings (e.g.,
light readings) over a plurality of off cycles in the light
modulation pattern. The sensor readings may be repeated on a
predetermined time interval, such as 192 ms or any other interval
discussed herein. Additionally or alternatively, a sensor repeating
may be repeated based on an elapsed number of on-off cycles of the
illumination light (e.g., 12 cycles). In some embodiments, the
optical density instrument 1 may cause a sensor reading to occur
after the time interval (e.g., 192 ms) has elapsed and the
illumination light has cycled off, as illustrated in FIGS. 23 (416
and 418).
[0147] At operation 4714, the optical density instrument 1 may
include means, such as processing circuitry 110, processor 112,
memory 114, and/or the like, for calculating a moving average
sensor reading based on the plurality of readings. Example
embodiments, may, for example, use a predetermined number of
previous readings to calculate a moving average to provide to a
user via a user interface or to another device. For example, three
previous readings may be used as the predetermined number of
readings to incorporate into a moving average. The moving average
may serve as a smoothing mechanism for providing readings to
another device and/or to a user via a user interface, for
example.
[0148] In some examples, optical density instrument 1 may utilize
sensor readings from various sensors and/or sensor types, process
the sensor readings to calculate a property of a suspension, and
provide a moving average. For example, as described in further
detail below, optical density instrument 1 may use a reading from
both a density sensor 31 and a nephelometric sensor 32 to determine
a McFarland value. In this regard, a reading from both the density
sensor 31 and nephelometric sensor 32 may be combined and
manipulated to determine a McFarland value, and the readings may be
repeated according to configurations of the optical density
instrument 1, and may be represented as a moving average over time.
Additionally or alternatively, example embodiments may calculate a
moving average based on sensor readings taken from a single
sensor.
[0149] The 192 ms period on which to repeat sensor readings, and
the three-point moving average are provided merely as examples and
it will be appreciated that any pattern of sensor readings and
moving averages may be used. For example, a 192 ms period and
three-point moving average may be determined as appropriate
parameters by which to collect data from the density sensor 31
and/or nephelometric sensor 32 and provide resultant data to a user
or other computing device based on desired user experience and/or
variability in the reported data. However, in some embodiments,
optical density instrument 1 may determine other periods on which
to repeat readings and/or other numbers of samples to be used in a
moving average depending on a variety of factors such as sensor
type, sensor sensitivity, estimated variability in a measured
characteristic of the suspension, and/or desired variability in
resultant data.
[0150] In some embodiments, optical density instrument 1, including
system 100 may advantageously utilize readings from both the
density sensor 31 and nephelometric sensor 32 in determining a
McFarland value. McFarland values may be used as a reference to
adjust turbidity in a suspension so that the concentration of
microorganisms may be a specified value or within a range of values
to standardize testing.
[0151] FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating example operations of
the optical density instrument 1, including system 100 according to
some example embodiments. In operation 4800, the system 100 may
include means, such as processing circuitry 110, processor 112,
memory 114, communication interface 116, density sensor 31, and/or
the like, for receiving a plurality of density sensor readings. In
operation 4802, the optical density instrument 1, including system
100 may include means, such as processing circuitry 110, processor
112, memory 114, communication interface 116, nephelometric sensor
32, and/or the like, for receiving a plurality of nephelometric
sensor readings.
[0152] FIG. 49 is an example plot of density sensor readings 490
and nephelometric sensor readings 492 according to example
embodiments. The readings are plotted as voltages relative to the
turbidity of the liquid, and may be non-linear.
[0153] In some embodiments, as turbidity increases, nephelometric
readings increase, and density readings decrease. In some examples,
a density sensor reading may be more sensitive for lower turbidity
liquids relative to the sensitivity of the nephelometric readings,
whereas nephelometric readings may be more sensitive for higher
turbidity liquids relative to the sensitivity of density readings.
A polynomial equation may therefore account for the varying impact
of the two types of data on the McFarland value.
[0154] In some embodiments, optical density instrument 1, including
system 100 may determine a polynomial equation or model by applying
linear regression to the two readings, the output of which provides
a McFarland value of the liquid. Said differently, system 100 may
calibrate the two signals to generate a McFarland value. In some
embodiments, this calibration may be conducted using known samples
across a wide range of McFarland values.
[0155] Accordingly, in operation 4804, the optical density
instrument 1, including system 100 may include means, such as
processing circuitry 110, processor 112, memory 114, communication
interface 116, and/or the like, for applying linear regression to
the density sensor readings and the nephelometric sensor readings
to determine coefficients of a polynomial equation. And, in
operation 4804, the optical density instrument 1, including system
100 may include means, such as processing circuitry 110, processor
112, memory 114, communication interface 116, and/or the like, for
applying subsequent readings to the polynomial equation to
calculate a McFarland value.
[0156] In some embodiments, in operation 4808, the optical density
instrument 1, including system 100 may include means, such as
processing circuitry 110, processor 112, memory 114, communication
interface 116, and/or the like, for detecting an error in at least
one sensor based on a comparison of the density sensor readings and
the nephelometric sensor readings. Given previous density sensor
readings and/or nephelometric sensor readings, optical density
instrument 1, including system 100 may be configured to detect a
change in one of the sensor readings relative to the other and/or
based on the determined polynomial equation. For example, an
abnormal reading(s) from one sensor relative to readings of the
other sensor, in comparison to a pattern of past density sensor
readings and/or nephelometric sensor readings relative to each
other may indicate a dirty sensor or window positioned in between a
sensor and tube.
[0157] In some embodiments, in response to detecting an error, the
optical density instrument 1, including system 100 may be further
configured to calculate a McFarland value based on a correctly
functioning sensor(s) not subject to the detected error. Said
differently, example embodiments may exclude sensor readings
detected from a sensor for which an error is detected. The optical
density instrument 1, including system 100 may therefore continue
to provide McFarland values and/or alert a user to clean device
components and/or to troubleshoot the issue.
[0158] FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating example operations of
optical density instrument 1, including system 100 according to
some example embodiments. In operation 5000, the optical density
instrument 1, including system 100 may include means, such as
processing circuitry 110, processor 112, memory 114, communication
interface 116, user interface 130, and/or the like, for receiving
an indication to perform a zeroing calibration. A user may insert a
baseline tube into the detection device, and indicate via user
interface 130 to zero the detection device. As another example, the
indication may be generated in response to detection of a baseline
tube being inserted into the detection device.
[0159] In operation 5002, the optical density instrument 1,
including system 100 may include means, such as processing
circuitry 110, processor 112, memory 114, communication interface
116, emitter 30, and/or the like, for in response to the indication
of the zeroing calibration, controlling an emitter (e.g., emitter
30) to adjust an emitted signal. For example, when emitter 30 is
embodied as an LED, optical density instrument 1, including system
100 may cause the current to be gradually stepped up. The LED may
be driven by a digital-to-analog converter, such as a 12-bit
converter configured to enable the LED to emit 4,096 different
levels of current.
[0160] As the emitter 30 is gradually stepped up, sensor readings
may be performed based on the various signals. In this regard, at
operation 5004, the optical density instrument 1, including system
100 may include means, such as processing circuitry 110, processor
112, memory 114, communication interface 116, density sensor 31,
nephelometric sensor 32, any other type sensors and/or the like,
for controlling at least one sensor to perform readings based on
the emitted signal.
[0161] In operation 5006, the optical density instrument 1,
including system 100 may include means, such as processing
circuitry 110, processor 112, memory 114, communication interface
116, emitter 30, and/or the like, for monitoring the sensor
readings and storing a level of the emitted signal when the sensor
reading satisfies a predetermined criterion. The predetermined
criterion may be a predetermined target value or range of values
the sensor is expected to detect based on an empty tube and/or
clear saline solution. As another example, the predetermined
criterion may be predetermined target value or range of values of a
calculation performed based on a sensor reading, such as a
McFarland value calculated based on a density sensor reading and/or
nephelometric sensor reading. For example, optical density
instrument 1, including system 100 may be pre-configured with an
expected value or range of values for the density sensor 31 (and/or
other types of sensors). Once the target value or range is reached,
the level of current emitted by the emitter 30 may be recorded. The
calibration may further allow the transmitted signal to normalize
by tracking the sensor reading for a period of time and waiting
until there is no drift. The normalization may occur before,
during, or after the step up of the emitter current, or may be
conducted separately therefrom.
[0162] In operation 5008, the apparatus optical density instrument
1, including system 100 may include means, such as processing
circuitry 110, processor 112, memory 114, communication interface
116, emitter 30, and/or the like, for controlling the emitter to
operate based on the stored level of the emitted signal. In this
regard, the optical density instrument 1, including system 100 may
use the calibration (e.g., stored level of emitted signal or
current) until the next zeroing calibration occurs. A user may
re-zero the detection device when the detection device is turned
on, when beginning to use a different type of tube, and/or when
ambient conditions change.
[0163] The operations described herein may therefore reduce the
interference of the illumination light in sensor readings, and may
therefore improve the accuracy of the sensor readings, while still
providing improved visibility of liquid in the sample tube. Further
details regarding the operation of the sensors, including
calibration, zeroing, and data collection, may be found in U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/487,736, entitled "Method,
Apparatus, and Computer Program for Controlling Components of a
Detection Device," and filed Apr. 20, 2017, which application is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0164] In this regard, the method provides additional convenience,
comfort, and safety over existing density measurement methods.
IV. Non-Limiting Exemplary Embodiments
[0165] In accordance with certain embodiments, the optical density
instrument includes a handheld unit having a top and a bottom and a
base station having at least a handheld unit receiving portion such
that the handheld unit is configured to operably couple to the base
station both when the handheld unit engages the handheld unit
receiving portion and when the handheld unit is separated from the
base station. The handheld unit further includes an optical test
platform having an open top and a cavity configured to receive at
least a portion of a first sample tube and a bottom portion
positioned within the handheld unit such that the first sample tube
extends above the top of the handheld unit when inserted in the
optical test platform. Moreover, the handheld unit includes an
emitter positioned within the handheld unit at the bottom portion
of the optical test platform such that the emitter is configured to
emit light into the cavity, and the emitter is configured to emit
light into the first sample tube when the first sample tube is
inserted in the optical test platform. Additionally, the handheld
unit includes at least one sensor positioned in optical
communication with the emitter via the cavity, such that the at
least one sensor is configured to receive the emitted light from
the cavity, and such that the at least one sensor is configured to
receive light emitted by the emitter and passing through the first
sample tube when the first sample tube is inserted in the optical
test platform. In addition, the handheld unit includes an
illumination light positioned at the bottom portion of the optical
test platform that is configured to illuminate the first sample
tube when the first sample tube is inserted in the optical test
platform.
[0166] According to certain embodiments, the emitter may be
configured to emit a source light through a sample disposed in the
first sample tube, and the at least one sensor is configured to
detect a portion of the source light that is transmitted through
the sample. In some embodiments, the emitter and the illumination
light may be configured to emit light according to a light
modulation pattern. In further embodiments, at least one of the
emitter or the illumination light may include a light emitting
diode.
[0167] According to certain embodiments, the at least one sensor
comprises at least two sensors including a density sensor and a
nephelometric sensor. In such embodiments, the density sensor may
be positioned opposite the emitter relative to the cavity to detect
source light transmitted through a sample contained in at least one
of the sample tubes, and the nephelometric sensor may be positioned
perpendicular to an axis spanning the density sensor and the
emitter to detect source light reflected by a sample in the sample
tube.
[0168] According to certain embodiments, the base station may
further include a display screen. In such embodiments, the display
screen may be configured to present data transmitted to the base
station by the handheld unit. In some embodiments, the optical
density instrument may further include processing circuitry
configured to control operations of at least the emitter, the
illumination light, and the at least one sensor to generate raw
light data, convert the raw light data into optical density data,
and communicate the optical density data to a display screen in
real time.
[0169] According to certain embodiments, the top of the handheld
unit may be open to allow a user to visually inspect a sample
contained in the first sample tube and illuminated by the
illumination light. In some embodiments, the handheld unit may
include a substantially hourglass shape, and the top of the
handheld unit may be narrower than the bottom. In further
embodiments, the bottom of the handheld unit may include a
plurality of non-skid feet.
[0170] In another aspect, certain embodiments according to the
invention provide a system for measuring optical density of a
sample. In accordance with certain embodiments, the system includes
a handheld unit having a top and a bottom, a base station having at
least a handheld unit receiving portion such that the handheld unit
is configured to operably couple to the base station both when the
handheld unit engages the handheld unit receiving portion and when
the handheld unit is separated from the base station, and a
computing device having a user interface. The handheld unit further
includes an optical test platform having an open top and a cavity
configured to receive at least a portion of a first sample tube and
a bottom portion positioned within the handheld unit such that the
first sample tube extends above the top of the handheld unit when
inserted in the optical test platform. Moreover, the handheld unit
includes an emitter positioned within the handheld unit at the
bottom portion of the optical test platform such that the emitter
is configured to emit light into the cavity, and the emitter is
configured to emit light into the first sample tube when the first
sample tube is inserted in the optical test platform. Additionally,
the handheld unit includes at least one sensor positioned in
optical communication with the emitter via the cavity, such that
the at least one sensor is configured to receive the emitted light
from the cavity, and such that the at least one sensor is
configured to receive light emitted by the emitter and passing
through the first sample tube when the first sample tube is
inserted in the optical test platform. In addition, the handheld
unit includes an illumination light positioned at the bottom
portion of the optical test platform that is configured to
illuminate the first sample tube when the first sample tube is
inserted in the optical test platform.
[0171] According to certain embodiments, the system may further
include processing circuitry configured to control operations of at
least the emitter, the illumination light, and the at least one
sensor to generate raw light data, convert the raw light data into
optical density data, communicate the optical density data to a
display screen in real time, and communicate the optical density
data to the user interface. In some embodiments, the processing
circuitry may be configured to continuously communicate the optical
density data to the user interface.
[0172] According to certain embodiments, the emitter may be
configured to emit a source light through a sample disposed in the
first sample tube, and the at least one sensor is configured to
detect a portion of the source light that is transmitted through
the sample. In some embodiments, the emitter and the illumination
light may be configured to emit light according to a light
modulation pattern. In further embodiments, at least one of the
emitter or the illumination light may include a light emitting
diode.
[0173] According to certain embodiments, the at least one sensor
comprises at least two sensors including a density sensor and a
nephelometric sensor. In such embodiments, the density sensor may
be positioned opposite the emitter relative to the cavity to detect
source light transmitted through a sample contained in at least one
of the sample tubes, and the nephelometric sensor may be positioned
perpendicular to an axis spanning the density sensor and the
emitter to detect source light reflected by a sample in the sample
tube.
[0174] According to certain embodiments, the base station may
further include a display screen in communication with the handheld
unit. In some embodiments, the display screen may be configured to
present data transmitted to the base station by the handheld
unit.
[0175] According to certain embodiments, the top of the handheld
unit may be open to allow a user to visually inspect a sample
contained in the first sample tube and illuminated by the
illumination light. In some embodiments, the handheld unit may
include a substantially hourglass shape, and the top of the
handheld unit may be narrower than the bottom. In further
embodiments, the open top of the optical test platform may be
further configured to receive a second sample tube. In some
embodiments, the first sample tube may be affixed to the second
sample tube. In further embodiments, the bottom of the handheld
unit may include a plurality of non-skid feet.
[0176] In yet another aspect, certain embodiments according to the
invention provide a method for measuring optical density of sample.
In accordance with certain embodiments, the method includes
receiving a first sample tube containing the sample, illuminating
the sample in the first sample tube for visual inspection by a user
according to a light modulation pattern, emitting a source light
through the sample in the first sample tube according to the light
modulation pattern, detecting a portion of the source light
transmitted through or reflected by the sample to generate raw
light data, and converting the raw light data into optical density
data.
[0177] According to certain embodiments, the method may further
include communicating the optical density data to a display screen.
In some embodiments, the method may further include communicating
the optical density data to a user interface. In further
embodiments, communicating the optical density data to the user
interface may occur continuously. In certain embodiments,
illuminating the sample may occur concurrently with at least
emitting the source light or detecting the source light. In some
embodiments, the light modulation pattern may comprise illuminating
the sample and emitting the source light at different times.
V. Calibration and Operation
[0178] With reference to FIG. 25, an example embodiment of a
handheld unit 605 and display base 610 of an optical density
instrument 600 is shown having visual indicators on the display,
and the features and operation of the optical density instrument
600 may be substantially the same as the other optical density
instruments described herein. In some embodiments, the display 615
may be a touchscreen displaying a McFarland value. The range scale
of the display may be appropriated according to the type of card
(e.g., the downstream antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) card
used with the diluted sample from the sample tubes), and the screen
may provide visual indicators (e.g., bars shown at 2.70 and 3.30
McFarland on the screen 615) of the optical density of the sample
compared to the needed range for downstream testing. FIG. 26 also
shows an example instrument 700, which may otherwise operate in
accordance with any of the embodiments detailed herein.
[0179] In some embodiments, the instrument may generate real time
readings using a two sensor, densitometric and nephelometric
configuration described herein. In some embodiments, the optical
testing instrument may operate in standalone mode or connected
mode. In connected mode, the instrument may connect and communicate
with another computing device (e.g., a VITEK2.TM. Flexprep.TM.
screen). The instrument may be configured to send the measured
McFarland value to a downstream testing machine (e.g., a VITEK2.TM.
machine), and the instrument may receive a desired McFarland range
and/or determine the desired McFarland range based on the card or
other downstream testing apparatus.
[0180] In some embodiments, a calibration checking mode may be used
with a specialized dual tube assembly. In operation, a known
standard, corresponding to a known McFarland value, may be placed
into the instrument to verify its calibration. With reference to
FIGS. 27-33, a calibration dual sample tube 635 may be used to
verify the calibration. The calibration tube 635 may contain a
programmed RFID chip 650 or other transmitter or electronic
identifier as part of a calibration tag 640, which chip contains
the McFarland value that is expected for the calibration tubes 635.
The optical density instrument 1 may, in turn, have a corresponding
receiver and/or reader connected to the processing circuitry 110
for detecting the RFID tag (e.g., via passive or active RFID from
the tag). The tag may include an inert body 642 with the chip 650
disposed at one end. For example, the distal end of the body 642
closest to the instrument in operation. In some embodiments, the
body 642 may include a notched end 644 opposite the distal end, and
the notched end 644 may engage a cap 645 on the tube. In some
further embodiments, a label (shown in FIGS. 27 and 29) identifying
the calibrant's McFarland value may also be placed on the tubes
635.
[0181] The instrument 1, 605 may receive the calibration value and
check the calibration result as compared to the standard. In some
embodiments, the calibration tubes 635 may include a tagged tube
637 (shown in FIG. 30) having a calibration tag 640 (shown in FIGS.
30-32) for communicating the McFarland value of the calibration
sample to the instrument, and the tubes 635 may include a calibrant
tube 639 containing a calibrant sample for verifying and/or
updating the calibration of the instrument. In some embodiments,
the calibrant sample may be a medium of silicone and TiO.sub.2. In
embodiments of the instrument that only test one of the two tubes
635, the calibrant tube 639 may be optically interrogated by the
optical density components and the tagged tube 637 may be
positioned in the other cavity of the handheld unit.
[0182] The tubes may be used, for example, by a customer to check
the calibration of the instrument, and a plurality of tubes 635 may
be used at predetermined McFarland thresholds (e.g., every half
McFarland value--0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, and 4 McFarland). The
instrument may use a smaller amount of tubes 635 to verify
calibration (e.g., 1, 2, 3, and 4 McFarland value tubes) and a
larger amount of tubes 635 to re-calibrate the instrument (e.g.,
0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, and 4 McFarland value tubes).
VI. Conclusion
[0183] It will be appreciated that the figures are each provided as
examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit
of the disclosure in any way. In this regard, the scope of the
disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to
those illustrated and described herein. Numerous other
configurations may also be used to implement embodiments of the
present invention.
[0184] FIGS. 22, 47, 48, and 50 illustrate operations of a method,
apparatus, and computer program product according to some example
embodiments. It will be understood that each operation of the
flowcharts or diagrams, and combinations of operations in the
flowcharts or diagrams, may be implemented by various means, such
as hardware and/or a computer program product comprising one or
more computer-readable mediums having computer readable program
instructions stored thereon. For example, one or more of the
procedures described herein may be embodied by computer program
instructions of a computer program product. In this regard, the
computer program product(s) which embody the procedures described
herein may comprise one or more memory devices of a computing
device (for example, memory 114) storing instructions executable by
a processor in the computing device (for example, by processor
112). In some example embodiments, the computer program
instructions of the computer program product(s) which embody the
procedures described above may be stored by memory devices of a
plurality of computing devices. As will be appreciated, any such
computer program product may be loaded onto a computer or other
programmable apparatus (for example, optical density instrument 1,
including system 100) to produce a machine, such that the computer
program product including the instructions which execute on the
computer or other programmable apparatus creates means for
implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s).
Further, the computer program product may comprise one or more
computer-readable memories on which the computer program
instructions may be stored such that the one or more
computer-readable memories can direct a computer or other
programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such
that the computer program product may comprise an article of
manufacture which implements the function specified in the
flowchart block(s). The computer program instructions of one or
more computer program products may also be loaded onto a computer
or other programmable apparatus (for example, optical density
instrument 1, including system 100 and/or other apparatus) to cause
a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other
programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process
such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other
programmable apparatus implement the functions specified in the
flowchart block(s).
[0185] Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations
of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of
operations for performing the specified functions. It will also be
understood that one or more blocks of the flowcharts, and
combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by
special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the
specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware
and computer instructions.
[0186] Many modifications of the invention set forth herein will
come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention
pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the
foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it
is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the
specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other
embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. For example, individual methods, portions of
methods, apparatus, and portions of apparatus may be exchanged or
combined between the embodiments described herein in any feasible
combination. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are
used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes
of limitation.
* * * * *